As Paul concluded his letters to the churches, he would usually do a customary section of greetings and final exhortations, naming names of people they knew in common, or that he wanted them to receive if they came their way. The closing of I Corinthians has a paragraph very pertinent to our topic of refreshing:
16:15 Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— 16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.
Paul says: Recognize those who Refresh you, those who have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. The word "service" here is the typical deacon type of service - seeking to help another believer in the service of Christ. Their response was to be one of submission - putting themselves underneath their example and their needs. It is not like being "subject" to the king, but willingly recognizing the proper place these people have in our lives. Paul says "we both know how much they refresh us, they give us rest." Appreciate them. Many times in ministry with people you can get worn out, but then comes along a precious saint who cares about you, who encourages you, who inspires you by their faith, joy, and peace in God, who reminds you it is all worthwhile. Be that kind of refresher, and appreciate those who refresh you.
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