“I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.” – 1 Cor. 16:17-18

Most of us know of at least one person who leaves us drained within five minutes of an interaction with them.

The conversation circles around complaints, gossip, grievances, and the person’s personal troubles and needs, and we walk away wearier than we arrived.

Most of us also know the opposite: a person whose presence or words feel like a cool glass of juice on a hot day.

We can’t say exactly why, but we leave lighter, after just a few minutes of the telephone call to them.

Paul knew both kinds of people.

Writing from Ephesus, worn down by the demands of ministry, he acknowledged Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus for being a source of refreshment.

Now, notice who these men were or rather what they were not.

They were not apostles, preachers, or famous teachers.  

They were ordinary believers who made the journey from Corinth to Ephesus to see a weary apostle and they filled the gap left by an entire church’s absence.

They brought news, fellowship, and the simple gift of their presence, and that was enough to revive a weary man of God.

The word “refreshed” suggests rest for the spirit, like a breeze reviving a tired traveller.

It is relief for someone carrying too much.

Scripture roots this in God’s own character.

Exodus 23:12 commands Israel to let servants and animals be refreshed on the Sabbath.

When David was hunted in the wilderness, Jonathan went to him and strengthened his hand in God (1 Samuel 23:16).

Proverbs 11:25 gives the principle: whoever refreshes others will be refreshed also.

May God make us people whose presence leaves others stronger, and whose words and actions lift weary hearts toward Christ.

Additionally, it also reflects the heart of Christ, who says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Christ is the great Refresher, and when Stephanas and his friends sat beside Paul, they did in miniature form what Christ does for every weary soul.

And indeed as the true source of rest, Christ sends us to share rest and refreshing words and actions with others.

Simply put, to refresh others is to imitate Christ.

Yet, many of us feel we have little to offer.

Perhaps we aren’t gifted speakers or leaders.

But refreshing rarely depends on ability.

It depends on availability.

Paul wrote to Philemon, “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints” (Philemon 1:7).

Does it still matter today?

Yes it does. We live in an exhausted age of endless notifications, grief we cannot name, financial strain, and depressing noise from all corners.

Someone near you this morning is carrying more than they will say.

Onesiphorus did something like this for the same apostle Paul, who wrote that he “often refreshed me” (2 Timothy 1:16).

Now, if one of the greatest apostles needed refreshment, how much more do we today?

And refreshment is contagious!

One refreshed saint will refresh another.

Paul hoped to come to the Romans “by God’s will” and be refreshed together with them (Romans 15:32).

Today, choose to simply show up for someone in grief.

Visit, call, sit in the hospital waiting room, because your availability often outweighs your ability.

Speak life, plainly: “I see God’s work in you.”

“You’re not alone.” “Thank you for serving.”

Stop saying “I’ll pray for you” and say, “I want to pray with you right now.”

Give quietly through a meal or a drink at a quiet restaurant, an hour of childcare, or discreet financial help can be all a downcast spirit needs.

Choose to refresh one person this week, and so honor the Lord who came to refresh weary souls.

Regardless of our title or calling, we can all become people someone is glad to see.

May God make us people whose presence leaves others stronger, and whose words and actions lift weary hearts toward Christ.