A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. ~Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)
Do you need refreshing? To refresh means to provide new energy, to restore and to cheer up. The bible tells us when we refresh others, we will be refreshed. God wants us to be refreshed, energized and joyful all the time, but there is a precept that precedes receiving that promise. We must refresh others. What are you doing to restore and cheer up those around you? Who are you encouraging and energizing in their faith to trust in God’s goodness? Jesus said in Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…” (NIV) That scripture is referred to as the “Golden Rule” and the virtue we need to have to be able to keep that rule is cordiality. It’s so important that we learn to be cordial in our relationships with others. The heart or root of the word cordial is literally “the heart”. Where is your heart? Is it involved in loving and meeting the needs of others? Or is it always looking for ways to get your needs met? God says when we set our heart to helping others, it opens the door for Him to help us because we always reap what we sow!
Our grace toward the people God places in our lives is a direct indicator of the state of our own heart. Being cordial always starts from the heart beginning with a strong belief that other people are important, significant, and deserving of our undivided attention and unrivaled interest if only for a brief amount of time. When we are encouraged by such a belief, we are prompted to be sensitive to that person’s feelings and needs. If they are uneasy, we have a desire to put them at ease. If they are doubtful or fearful, our desire is to bring them encouragement in their faith. If they are lonely or broken, we try to stimulate and invigorate them to trust the Lord for better days ahead. If they are sad, we are compelled to cheer them up. Cordiality is a virtue that Jesus preached throughout His ministry because Jesus himself was cordial. His life ministry was summed up in loving God and loving others. Jesus was consistently focused on those around Him, not on Himself. We should follow that example. After washing the feet of His disciples Jesus says in John 13:15 “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (NIV) Maybe we should spend a little more time reflecting on what the Lord has done for us. Then we should ask ourselves a few questions. Do you have a “strong belief” that the people around you are important? Significant? Deserving of your undivided attention? Do you treat them as you would have them treat you? Jesus said, “In everything…”, that means no matter what the circumstance. Many of us are treating others the way we feel like we are being treated instead of the way we would want to be treated. Reach out and make somebody feel special, loved, and appreciated today. Be cordial. Jesus tells us in John 13:35 “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (NLT) Refresh someone’s heart and God will refresh yours!
“He who diligently seeks good seeks [God’s] favor….” ~Proverbs 11:26 (AMPCE)
To whom and how will you refresh others today?
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