Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.—Philemon 1:7 (NLT)

The week had felt a month long: too much work, projects that I couldn’t finish, and flare-ups of health problems. And just when my husband and I were making headway with a financial goal, our furnace broke down and needed replacing. When Sunday rolled around, I wanted to pull the quilt over my head and stay in bed. But I knew that church was where I needed to be—what I needed most. 

Sure enough, the hymns about Jesus lifted my spirits. Smiles of friends brought joy. Words of Scripture fell on my parched heart like water. The pastor’s sermon shared wisdom and encouragement. Each person participating in the service offered kindness by their presence, and that kindness brought refreshment. My soul was quenched. 

Refreshment is a beautiful, grace-filled word. It’s an oasis in the desert, the sheltered rest stop along the freeway, the safe haven for a bruised and battered heart. The kindness of God’s people filled my tank and changed my perspective. It restored hope. No matter how many difficulties the last week had held, I was strengthened and even eager to tackle the days ahead. 

As I savored being refreshed, Jesus stirred a new resolve in my soul. I wanted to bring this grace and encouragement to others. Like the offer of an ice-cold drink on a summer day, my churchgoing experience inspired me—the best way to refresh myself was to refresh others first.

Faith Step: List three people you know who are struggling. Think of creative ways to give them kindness and grace that will refresh their soul and spirit.