Are you a Refresher of Others?

In his greeting to Philemon, Paul writes a familiar refrain that never loses its importance: “I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers.” Just a reminder that when a beloved brother or sister in Christ comes into our minds, we can silently thank God for them. You can certainly pray more, but we should be encouraged to not pray less. As you are driving down the road or sitting at your desk at work; as you are cleaning the kitchen or changing a diaper and someone comes to mind, simply pray this: “Thank you, God, for him, or for her!” Paul does that here as he thanks God for Philemon and his family, and then rejoices in their love and faith. Or in their love and loyalty, as FF Bruce says, because they have it for the Lord Jesus and for all the saints. They love Jesus and one another and their loyalty to one another is a testimony of their love. How did Paul know? He heard about it, even in prison! He heard reports about Philemon and his family and the way they loved the church in word and in deed. They were living out in Colosse what Jesus had told the twelve in the upper room: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” The church in Philemon’s house was walking together, encouraging one another in love and loyalty. That should an identifying mark of every church. Think of it this way: a flock of geese flies together, honking encouragement. Skunks travel alone. Love and loyalty in a church is a great source of encouragement to the people in the church. But it is a refreshment to others as well. 
 
Paul writes after the greeting, “For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” Paul says, Hey I want you to know that your walk with Christ is a source of joy to me. I want you to know, Philemon, that the way your life refreshes the people in the church there gives me great comfort. This is not Paul’s way of flattering Philemon in the beginning of the letter to get him to do what he wants him to do at the end of the letter. No, this is Paul doing what he always did with men and women who were serving the Lord in truth. He built them up, he encouraged them. Sam Crabtree wrote, “God is proactive in a person’s life when that person refreshes others. That factor alone should produce in us an eagerness to be a refresher, a cheerleader—a clear, strong, consistent, energy-giving affirmer of those around us!”  
 
Are you one who refreshes others? It is a wonderful thing when other people are refreshed by being around you. Maybe you have never thought of it that way, but we all know people who suck the energy out of us and we all know people who make us feel energized. Philemon was the latter, and Paul tells him, Hey, Philemon, you are a refresher! Thanks for that, brother. Proverbs says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” It’s the law of the harvest. What you sow is what you will reap. Why not sow blessings and refreshment wherever you can? 
 
I heard about a lady who opened her door one morning to see a dog on her front stoop with her newspaper in his mouth. She was delighted at this unexpected delivery service, so she gave him a treat as he dropped her paper and looked up, wagging his tail. The next morning, he was back with 8 newspapers. The law of the harvest! 
 
Refresh others. Bless the hearts of the saints. And watch for those seeds to bring forth good fruit.