Together in Christ: 'Refreshing People' — Proverbs 10:11

Nothing is more refreshing than cool, clean spring water on a hot day. For those who have decided to follow Jesus as Lord, the cool refreshing water welling up within them is the Holy Spirit. ^[1] The Holy Spirit gives us a new birth and cleanses us from our past sins. ^[2] The Spirit also begins to transform our hearts from the inside out based on the righteousness that comes from the above. ^[3] The Spirit produces God's holy fruit in our character, ^[4] and transforms us to become like Jesus. ^[5] Out of the Spirit's righteousness at work within us, we speak spiritual words ^[6] intended to bless others according to their needs. ^[7] This righteousness from the Spirit manifests itself through our actions and our words. ^[8] The proverb, "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life," is true! Spirit-led people are refreshing because they have been refreshed!

Unfortunately, without the Spirit's work in a person's life to cleanse them and transform them to become like Christ, they invest their energies in other pursuits. Some begin to hide their hearts' twisted and dark motives through deception. They must hide their violent motives and intentions to gain acceptance. But, hidden things always come to light ^[9] and violent fascination and intentions.

The point of this proverb? Jesus said it perfectly:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. ^[10]

There's no need for deception or violence in the Kingdom of God where righteousness reigns!