DCRobertsson

“For she has been a helper of many, and of myself as well.” – Romans 16:2

When Paul closes his letter to the Romans, he doesn’t just sign off with theological weight—he pours out gratitude for people. Real people. People who weren’t apostles, miracle-workers, or household names. Just faithful believers who served, helped, and refreshed the saints.

Phoebe is one of them. Paul commends her to the church and says, “She has been a helper of many, and of myself as well.” That word helper implies more than occasional assistance. It suggests intentional service, personal sacrifice, and deep care. Phoebe wasn’t just useful—she was refreshing. Her life strengthened others.

There are people like this in every healthy church: men and women who serve quietly, encourage consistently, and help willingly. They’re not always on stage. They don’t seek recognition. But their presence is a gift. Their support is tangible. Their kindness is remembered.

And we are called to give thanks for them.

Gratitude for those who refresh others is not about flattery. It’s about seeing what God sees. Jesus said even a cup of cold water given in His name will not go unnoticed (Matthew 10:42). If heaven honors the small acts of service, so should we. Because those small acts are often the ones that sustain people in hard seasons.

You’ve likely been on the receiving end of this. Someone brought a meal when you were overwhelmed. Someone prayed with you when you were anxious. Someone covered your task, offered a word of hope, reminded you of God’s promises, or simply stayed near when you didn’t have the words. These are not casual moments. They are ministry.

Paul often spoke of people who “refreshed” his spirit (see 2 Timothy 1:16, 1 Corinthians 16:18). In the heat of ministry, in the weight of suffering, God used others to revive his heart. And he made sure to thank them.

Who has refreshed you? Who shows up when it’s inconvenient? Who labors without applause? Let your gratitude find them. Thank God for them. Then let your words encourage them to keep going. Ministry is wearying. But gratitude refreshes the refreshers.

And maybe God is calling you not just to thank a “Phoebe”—but to be one. You don’t need a platform to serve. You need eyes to see needs and a heart willing to help. Those who quietly refresh others often do the most lasting work.

Cross-References

• “The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.” – 2 Timothy 1:16
• “For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.” – 1 Corinthians 16:18
• “Whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these… even a cup of cold water… shall not lose his reward.” – Matthew 10:42

Questions for Reflection

• Who in your life has helped or refreshed you in tangible ways during hard seasons?
• How can you show them specific gratitude this week?
• Who around you needs to be refreshed right now—and how might you be part of that?

Prayer Prompt

Thank God for those who have refreshed you—who stepped in with help when you were tired or discouraged. Ask Him to show you how to become a source of refreshment for someone else today.

This devotional is adapted from Forever Grateful: 30 Days to a Heart of Thankfulness by D.C. Robertsson. Available on Amazon: amazon.com/dp/B0F1Y8JJSM