Freedom Calls

As children of the one true God, saved by the gift of Grace and Faith in Jesus Christ, we are called to live a life of selfless service to others.

In Proverbs 11:25, we find a profound promise that highlights the blessings of refreshing others:

“He that watereth shall be watered also himself.”

Let’s delve into the meaning of this verse, supported by scripture references and insightful quotes from Gods word and some great Christian theologians.

**The Principle of Refreshing Others**

Proverbs 11:25 teaches us that when we pour out our lives to bless others, we can expect to be refreshed in return. This principle is rooted in the character of God, who is a God of abundance and generosity. As we give of ourselves to others, we reflect the very nature of our Heavenly Father. In Matthew 10:42, Jesus says, “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.”

Charles Spurgeon, in his sermon “The Waterer Watered,” notes: “The Lord’s people are like a garden, and they need watering. The best way to get watered is to water others. If you want to get a blessing, give a blessing.” (1)

**The Blessings of Refreshing Others**

When we make it our priority to refresh others, we can expect to receive blessings in return. In Isaiah 58:11, we read, “And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.”

C.S. Lewis, in his book “Mere Christianity,” writes: “The rule for us is plain. There is no use trying to be more spiritual than God. God never taught us to love our neighbors by talking about it, but by doing it.” (2)

**The Importance of Selfless Service**

Refreshing others requires a selfless attitude, one that puts the needs of others before our own. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul writes, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

A.W. Tozer, in his book “The Pursuit of God,” notes: “We need to learn to live for others, to make our lives a blessing to those around us. The world is full of people who are cold, hungry, and thirsty. We can do something about it.” (3)

**The Role of Faith in Refreshing Others**

Refreshing others requires faith in God’s promises and provision. In 2 Corinthians 9:8, Paul writes, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.”

Watchman Nee, in his book “The Normal Christian Life,” writes: “Faith is not a feeling, but a fact. We need to exercise our faith in the fact that God will supply all our needs, and then we can give freely to others.” (4)

**The Reward of Refreshing Others**

Refreshing others comes with a great reward. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

D.L. Moody, in his sermon “The Reward of Service,” notes: “When we serve others, we are serving the Lord Himself. The reward is not in the praise of men, but in the ‘well done’ of the Master.” (5)

“He that watereth shall be watered also himself” is a promise that reminds us of the importance of refreshing others. As we pour out our lives to bless others, we can expect to receive blessings in return. May we be encouraged to live a life of selfless service, faith, and generosity, knowing that our Heavenly Father will reward us abundantly.

References:

(1) Charles Spurgeon, “The Waterer Watered” (Sermon 2244)

(2) C.S. Lewis, “Mere Christianity” (Book 3, Chapter 9)

(3) A.W. Tozer, “The Pursuit of God” (Chapter 12)

(4) Watchman Nee, “The Normal Christian Life” (Chapter 13)

(5) D.L. Moody, “The Reward of Service” (Sermon 15)