R E F R E S H M E N T

Philemon 7

Who refreshes your heart after a long practice?  Can you see his or her face in your mind?  Who breathes new life into your heart after a tough loss?  What is his or her name?  Such people are invaluable to your life.  The Apostle Paul had such a person in his life and today’s scripture tells us about him.

In Paul’s letter to his friend Philemon at verse 7 we read these words, “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.”  Like a wise coach, Paul was encouraged by how Philemon helped his teammates.

He received great joy and encouragement because of how his friend refreshed the hearts of others.  Refreshing someone’s heart is as simple as making an expression of love, comfort or encouragement. 

We refresh our teammates’ hearts when we offer congratulations for their performance in competition or practice.  We refresh the hearts of coaches when we show good character.  We refresh the hearts of those who are struggling when we walk beside them, encourage them and give them hope for the future.

As you compete today, refresh the hearts of your teammates and coaches.  Give them your absolute best effort.  In the process, everyone gets better and you spread joy and encouragement all those around.

Bible Reading Plan:
John 20:24-31
Revelation 20
Job 41:1-11
Zechariah 6-9