Two-minute read.
Blessing others blesses us. Other translations of this verse say, “…those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (NLT). Nothing compares to putting someone else’s needs before your own and encouraging them along the journey. Their delight will delight you.
Over the summer, we had friends over who have six children. Knowing the kids well, I had activities set up for them to enjoy their time in our home, and bracelet making quickly became the hands-down winner. I can still see the tiny heads around our table, working earnestly to create beautiful pieces. The memory warms my soul months after the event. When one of my young friends presented me with the bracelet she made me, it touched my heart like nothing else. The multi-colored jewelry reminds me of her every time I see it, and instantly brings a smile to my face.
Young or old, when we do things for others, it blesses us, maybe even more than the person. Knowing you have brought sunshine into someone else’s life, making them feel loved and accepted, refreshes the soul. Knowing how much God loves us, we can’t help but want others to know that He feels the same about them.
Jesus refreshed all our souls with His actions on the cross. Without Him, we couldn’t experience the blessing of new life in Christ, free from our past mistakes, living in the hope of tomorrow. Sharing the Savior’s love with acts of kindness introduces people to Him. Dying to self, meeting the needs of others, mimics Jesus’s example and refreshes our spirit like nothing else can.
Find ways to refresh others today, and experience the renewal of your soul as you put other needs before your own.
Journal Question:
Who has refreshed your soul and how?
In what ways can you bless others today?
How has Jesus refreshed your soul?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for giving us a Savior who shows us how to love others and bring refreshment to their souls. Please give us eyes to see and ears to hear ways we can bless others today and every day. Let us represent Jesus well in our daily lives.
IJNIP. Amen
