Introduction:  Do you pick people up or pull them down? Are you an encourager or a discourager? When you are around others, do you “refresh them” or “depress them”?

 

So how can we “refresh” others?

 

1. Be a REFRESHER like Philemon, not a DEPRESSOR! (Philemon 1:7) – “For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee.”

 

The word “refresh” is ἀναπαύω, which means to take ease or to rest. Don’t you love to be around people you can “take ease”, relax, rest, and be refreshed? It seems like they are far and few between. By the way, this does not mean to be flattered, or manipulated, or even be hypocritical. Nor does this mean to be frivolous or speaking with foolish jesting. Instead, it means to find rest. Let’s face it — Jesus Christ through His Word is the very best “REFRESHER”! And actually, only after we’ve been “REFRESHED” by Him can we “REFRESH” others.

 

2. Be a REFRESHER like the believers in the Church of Rome! (Romans 15:32) – “That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.”

 

The idea is, Paul had been fighting spiritual battles, and apparently needed REFRESHING, which he received from the CHRISTians in the Church of Rome. Do you think that people are REFRESHED after attending New Rocky Creek Church? The obvious answer is — they should be!

 

Conclusion: Do not forget the order: First, we are “REFRESHED” by the Holy Spirit, and then we can be facilitators to do the same.

 

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese