Refreshing to Others

“For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” –Philemon 1:7 (ESV)

Coconut water is very refreshing. It is sold in many tropical countries and is often drunk straight from the coconut itself. When I was travelling in India we once had to climb up a hill to visit a new school that was being built. Even though it was late December it was still quite hot and I could feel the sweat sticking to my back as we climbed. At the summit of the hill there was a family selling coconut water and we bought some to satisfy our thirst. As I felt the coconut water poured down my throat I felt rejuvenated and my exhaustion disappeared. Standing there drinking coconut water after a day of travelling made the lush surroundings of the summit, with the setting sun spreading its colors against the sky, look all the more beautiful.

Philemon was like coconut water for not only Paul, but for all he came into contact with. It seemed that many would agree with Paul’s description of Philemon and considering how Paul was relentlessly persecuted, it is not surprising that he would write that Philemon’s love was a joy and comfort to him. What about us? Would we be able to claim that our love and the attitudes which flow from within us are refreshing for others? The truth of the world is that it is weary. It groans under the weight of sin and injustice. It mourns over the consequences of wrong choices. Are our attitudes doing anything towards the healing and restoration of the world? Or are they only exacerbating the problem? If sin has control over our hearts, then we are unable to be refreshing and act in perfect love no matter our most earnest of efforts. It is only when we have allowed Christ to enter our hearts that He will make His love shine forth from within us. As His Spirit continues to work out His love in our lives, He will make us refreshing to others so that they may come and drink of the living water which Christ offers; finding an eternal hope and joy which will never be taken away.

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.