Be A Barnabas

     Be a Barnabus

Words of Encouragement 

“And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. So, Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” Acts 11:21-26

God will use others to encourage us and will use us to encourage others.

Barnabas was known as the “son of encouragement” because he was constantly encouraging those around him. As the apostles worked to spread the good news and grow the church, Barnabas played a large role in encouraging and connecting people. He put his reputation on the line to encourage the apostles to accept Paul after his conversion. He mentored the young John Mark when others didn’t want to give him a second chance.

Use these examples to share with others that God will use others to encourage us as well as using us to encourage others. We should always be looking for ways we can bless someone with our words or actions. In turn, we can be thankful when God uses someone to say or do something kind or helpful to encourage our hearts. There is great power in encouraging each other. It is one of the most tangible ways to be Jesus to those we come in contact with every day.

  “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

  -Bob Samek