You Are An Encourager

Study the life of the Bible character Barnabas and ask God to make you like him. Barnabas was originally named Joses, which is the same as Joseph, but the apostles gave him a new name—Barnabas. This name means son of encouragement. (Acts 4: 36) His kind are needed today. Maybe you?

He was the kind of person you would have wanted around you. As Barnabas is studied throughout Acts of the Apostles, it is clear that he played a predominant role in the early Christian church; he was truly the “son of encouragement.” There is not a lot said of specific ministries he personally performed, but much is said of how he encouraged and hence expanded the work of others, particularly Paul. He opened the door of ministry for Paul when others were skeptical. “And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 9: 26, 27)In his life he traveled the known world with Paul and John Mark.

Have you ever thought how nice it would be to have such a person in your life? You can be assured there are people around you who have had that thought. Have you thought of being such a person for them? You, a son or daughter of encouragement! What an important role.

The Church in Jerusalem sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch.

“When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.” (Acts 11: 22 – 24)

With all the factors at work in our society we all need a little, make that a lot, or encouragement. Where are they going to get if not from someone like you?

Here is a good thing about giving encouragement. There is no time when it is more blessed to give than to receive. It is in giving you receive more than you give.

“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” (Romans 15: 1, 2)

Andy Andrews wrote “Your time on this earth is a gift to be used wisely. Don’t squander your words or your thoughts. Consider that even the simplest actions you take for your lives matter beyond measure…and they matter forever.”