A generous person prospers; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed (
Through the years, I have known many people who have been hurt by the church. Some of these hurts could be described as conflicts and others as harm that was reaped through burnout or exhaustion. Some people have experienced the church in more harmful ways—perhaps through abusive situations or bullying personalities. In some situations, there is more of a harmful spirit than helpful.
In youth ministry, in particular, many leaders are looking for refreshment. They are eager to find those avenues where their souls can be tended and recharged. However, here’s a thought from the Book of Proverbs. Refreshment comes when we make overtures to refresh others.
Not long ago, I witnessed this firsthand when a recently hospitalized teenager in our congregation auditioned for a part in a play about brain cancer—the astounding point here being that he had just recovered from his own brain surgery. Here was a young man eager to refresh others, and in doing so, found his own refreshment.
There are many ways that we can seek to freshen the air in our own situations. Perhaps there are old animosities at play in our youth groups, hurt feelings or teenagers who have been irreparably harmed by parents or other adults. By offering them the opportunity to serve and help others, they may find healing and hope. A closet or a darkened room rarely alleviates suffering. What we need is light, fresh air and the associations of healing.
Generosity of spirit refreshes; by serving others and offering opportunities to serve, we are clearing the air and making all things new.
