A strange thing happens when you comfort someone else with God’s Word: You get comforted. An unexpected thing happens when you encourage someone else with Jesus’ promises: You get encouraged. Have you noticed that? Wise Solomon did. He wrote this proverb: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).
This is one of the upside-down truths of God’s kingdom. When you generously share with others—whether it’s time, money, comfort, or encouragement—you don’t end up with less. You end up refreshed.
The opposite is also true. When I focus on me, when I spend my time thinking about me, when I fight for what’s best for me, I don’t end up fulfilled at all. I end up emptier than ever.
So take your eyes off of you. Put them on Jesus. Think of his blessings to you. His grace. His forgiveness. His presence. His peace. Do you know how you’ll feel? Grateful. Refreshed.
And then focus your eyes on the people God’s placed into your life. Take what Jesus has given you and use it to refresh others. Give to those who are in need. Comfort those who are mourning. Encourage those who are despairing. Sit with those who are alone. Listen to those who are depressed. Help those who need a hand. And something surprising will happen. Not only will God refresh that person through your acts of faith, but you will feel refreshed. It’s true! “Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
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