One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Prov. 11:24-25
Encourage one another; and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Heb. 10:25
But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus. 2 Cor. 7:6
Dear Lord Jesus, I cannot read this Scripture without lifting my heart and hands toward heaven. I cannot read these four words “he who refreshes others” without thinking of you, for no one refreshes a dry and weary heart like you. Your mercies are new every morning, and your steadfast love never comes to an end. Great is your faithfulness.
No one gives more freely or copiously or un-begrudgingly than you do, Lord Jesus. You’ll never be charged with withholding any good thing from your people. You’ll never come to poverty through hoarding, because you freely chose the poverty of the cross as a means of making us rich (2 Cor. 8:9). This is the beauty and bounty of the gospel, and nothing is more refreshing than the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation (Rom. 1:16).
Indeed, you’re calling to us in a loud voice this very moment, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink” (John 7:37). Jesus, I join my brothers and sisters in coming to you right now with my heart as wide open as the gospel enables. I humble myself before you. I own the need that you alone can meet. I am not ashamed to let you know just how much I need to be refreshed by you, Lord Jesus. You love to give, and I love to receive from you.
And as grace runs downhill to the needy, so it also flows freely to others. To whom would you send us today—to whom would you send me? Who needs a timely word of encouragement, twenty minutes of focused listening, a movie, a hug, a few minutes of concerted prayer and comfort? Freely we receive from you; freely we will give. So very Amen I pray, in your most generous and loving name.
