He Who Refreshes Others...
...will himself be refreshed.
An excerpt from Proverbs that has been bouncing around in my head since I read it.
It's so contrary to the common approach to life which sounds more like he who is refreshed will then refresh others.
Are we missing the point?
With a self-focus and what-about-me attitude we have it all wrong.
It explains why so many of us feel empty.
Our quest for the ever illusive "more time" we end up pulling away from everything.
More time equals less refreshement, loneliness and discontent because we are searching for our answer in the wrong place.
We are doing the opposite of what we should be when we isolate and protect our time for me.
Instead it suggests there is refreshment in offering yourself, encouragement in encouraging others.
The context of this passage is important lest we think it's telling us to drain ourselves completely and have no boundaries.
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25
It's talking about giving generously.
That can be done with time, money, talent, encouragement, an unexpected cup of coffee or bouquet of flowers..
It is not calling us to be a doormat, that's not God's way, contrary to popular belief.
If you are tired, look to Christ and be refreshed and restored.
Then turn around and offer that refreshement to another parched soul.
What ways do you offer your refreshment to others?
In what ways have others refreshed you and been a blessing to you in a weary time?
An excerpt from Proverbs that has been bouncing around in my head since I read it.
It's so contrary to the common approach to life which sounds more like he who is refreshed will then refresh others.
Are we missing the point?
With a self-focus and what-about-me attitude we have it all wrong.
It explains why so many of us feel empty.
Our quest for the ever illusive "more time" we end up pulling away from everything.
More time equals less refreshement, loneliness and discontent because we are searching for our answer in the wrong place.
We are doing the opposite of what we should be when we isolate and protect our time for me.
Instead it suggests there is refreshment in offering yourself, encouragement in encouraging others.
The context of this passage is important lest we think it's telling us to drain ourselves completely and have no boundaries.
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25
It's talking about giving generously.
That can be done with time, money, talent, encouragement, an unexpected cup of coffee or bouquet of flowers..
It is not calling us to be a doormat, that's not God's way, contrary to popular belief.
If you are tired, look to Christ and be refreshed and restored.
Then turn around and offer that refreshement to another parched soul.
What ways do you offer your refreshment to others?
In what ways have others refreshed you and been a blessing to you in a weary time?
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