I had the opportunity and privilege to participate in a memorial service for a dear lady from our church family a couple of weeks. She and her husband were active members for over 20 years and are well-liked and respected by people in our church and community.
During the service I simply shared some memories I had of this woman, how she influenced her family, impacted people around her and was involved in the life of our church. Mine was only one perspective on a life well lived and it was good to hear from others as they shared their memories.
As I was putting together my thoughts, a verse from Proverbs came to mind. It is not a passage I’ve used at a funeral before nor have I heard it used by others. As I looked up the verse and read the preceding verses, it fit very well.
The godly can look forward to a reward, while the wicked can expect only judgment. Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:23-25)
The woman we were remembering was one of refreshed others. She served at our church. She gave freely to her family and to those outside her family. She was known as a woman who loved and accepted kids.
…those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed
The wisdom of Proverbs really came to light before and during the service. As we give freely, we do refresh others and God, whether now or in the future, will refresh us.
…those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed
Good challenge for the day.
Thoughts from a Hoosier Fan in the Buckeye Land 