Brothers and sisters, you know the household of Stephanas: They are the firstfruits of Achaia and have devoted themselves to serving the saints…
I am delighted to have Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus present, because these men have made up for your absence. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore recognize such people. (1 Corinthians 16:15, 17-18)
“They have refreshed my spirit and yours.”
The Japanese translation says, “They have given rest to my heart and yours.”
In that way, they were very much like their Lord.
Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)
Stephanas and the others were very devoted and passionate in serving the Lord.
And yet strangely, sometimes people like that leave others feeling tired or even guilty for not being as “devoted” or “passionate”.
The Pharisees often left people feeling that way.
But people came away from Stephanas and the others refreshed and with rested hearts.
That’s the kind of person I want to be.
I don’t want to impress people with my “passion” for God. Rather, as people did with Stephanas and Jesus, I want them to come away from me with refreshed and rested hearts.