| “By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.” (NIV) – 2 Corinthians 7:13 |
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| REFRESHED The discouraged Apostle Paul of 2 Corinthians 7:5-6 tells how he is now encouraged, encouraged by a report from Titus that the Corinthians have received his letter and that while it was a difficult letter for him to write and for them to read, it brought about great results. This news was encouraging! As well Paul tells the Corinthians how encouraged, ESPECIALLY DELIGHTED, (OVER-JOYED), he was because of how happy (ENCOURAGED) Titus was. Paul commends them for refreshing his spirit. REFRESHED. It is a word we often think of in the hot summer. Working on a farm as a teenager I can recall numerous times looking forward to a very refreshing drink of water from a well on our property. The water drawn from that deep well was so cold. I would get a drink from the bucket and then dump the bucket over my head. Oh, it felt so GOOD. It was REFRESHING! REFRESHED. From the dictionary it means to give new strength or energy to one; to reinvigorate. The Greek word speaks of “giving one rest.” It is the word Jesus used in Matthew 11:28 as He invited people to come to Him as they would find REST. It is the word Jesus used to tell His disciples to come apart and REST in Mark 6:31. After serving and ministering to numerous people He knew they needed time to REST, to be REFRESHED. The Apostle Paul will use the word to describe what he felt when he was with Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus. He said they refreshed his spirit. See 1 Cor. 16:17-18 As you DATE 2 Corinthians 7:13 ask yourself if you are being described by others as a refreshing drink of cold water on a hot summer day. Does your presence refresh others? Do your words refresh others? Do your actions refresh others? It is worth saying here as well that you make sure you are being REFRESHED. Verse to DATE the Word on July 13 (7/13) is 2 Corinthians 7:13. It says, “By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.” (NIV) What are ways you can be a “refreshment” to another person today? Continue Strong bringing “refreshments” to others, And remember to DATE the Word |