Refresh One Another

If you live in the Southeast, the first heat-wave has arrived. By the end of the week, we all will be ready for a reprieve, for refreshment. The onslaught of struggles can drain and leave us longing for calmer and more peaceful times. As you read Paul's second letter to Timothy, you can hear some weariness in his s words; his execution pending, Paul was alone in a Roman prison cell and his thought went back to one who had brought him refreshment. "The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me." (2 Timothy 1:16). Now, there is certainly immeasurable value in kindness from one-to-another; let me say with all confidence, however, there is nothing like one Believer's kindness to another Believer! Why am I so confident of this?  As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, a Believer's kindness comes from a spiritually compassionate heart (Colossians 3:12); and, the fruit of a Spirit-filled Believer is kindness borne of The Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). While every act of kindness is honorable and beneficial, it is God-infused kindness - such as that of Onesiphorus - that ultimately glorifies The Father Who is Most Kind. Let us never miss an opportunity to ... refresh one another!