“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.”
Philemon 1:7
Over the years, I have known people who have been genuinely good and routinely gave the shirts off their backs to help someone in need. In my observations, many of these kind-hearted souls worked quietly, behind the scenes doing acts of kindness for others. There are also many occasions where I’ve known of very nice people who have been anonymous contributors to those lacking in some way. When I think of these generous and loving people, I can only imagine the legacy they will leave behind when their days are over.
How do people become kind-hearted souls? I anticipate acts of kindness they observed within their home while growing up positively impacted them and shaped their mindset. Consider this: “start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6/NIV). Considering this Bible verse, people do what they know based upon what they learned or observed going on around them! Galatians 5:22-23 discusses the “fruit of the Spirit” that followers of Jesus Christ have – “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” and with these qualities, this could explain why they are kind-hearted souls.
I believe caring people are easy to spot; but, even if they are quiet during their acts of kindness, “by their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:20). Sooner or later, you will observe the “fruit of the Spirit” in them! As people demonstrate acts of kindness, as well as display the “fruit of the Spirit,” a positive and powerful consequence will be felt by others: “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people” (Philemon 1:7/NIV). Love – what a great legacy to leave behind!
Self-reflection consideration: Do I need to refresh the hearts of the Lord’s people such that they experience joy and encouragement?
Many blessings to you!
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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