A glass of cold water on a hot day is a relief! A small, simple service that can make a big difference. That is what our Heavenly Father encourages us to do toward each other.

One of the best acts we can do is to refresh the hearts of others. We can never fully know the struggles and the pain that people endure. When we come to encourage and strengthen them, it brings a breath of fresh air to their heavy hearts. Just helping them with a task can ease the burden, even for a brief moment. Let’s look for ways to refresh the hearts of others. “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 NTL).

Philemon was a prominent leader of the Church of Colossae. The Church met in his house. He was rich enough to own slaves, one of whom was called Onesimus. The latter stole money from Philemon and fled to Rome. Somehow he found Paul and accepted Christ. While Onesimus was useful to Paul, he had to return to Philemon and straighten things out. Paul wrote a letter urging Philemon to forgive Onesimus and welcome him back as a brother in Christ. Paul knew that by encouraging people it was possible.

Are we bringing joy and encouragement to others? Philemon was a person who encouraged the saints and for this Paul recognized him. We should strive out of love to be an encouragement to those around us. That means that when we show love, it’s not to draw attention to ourselves but to uplift others. Our mission in life should be to encourage those who are discouraged and downcast. By encouraging them to serve the Lord, they can see joy return to their lives. Let’s be a Philemon in our Church and community.

One of the by-products of refreshing the hearts of others is that we discover a blessing that is found nowhere else. When we encourage and refresh others, we find that blessings return to us. There is an advantage to not focusing on ourselves and giving to others. Let’s look for people we can uplift. Let’s look for ways to renew their spirit. Let’s be prepared to sacrifice time and resources to make it happen. We won’t regret it.