Be An Encourager

-April 11, 2022-

Good morning, happy Monday,

“Then the news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they 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 with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.”

(Acts 11:22-23).

The apostles were called to serve in Jerusalem and they were aware of the work the Holy Spirit was doing among the Gentiles in many cities. Many people were being saved. They desired to send out one of their servants, Barnabas, to go to Antioch to check on the saints and encourage them in the Lord. What better person could they send out than the one who they called the Son of Encouragement.”

Acts 4:36-37 says of this dear man of God, “And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” He not only preached and taught the Word, but he lived the truth in his life and set a godly example before the believers. His real name was Joses or Joseph, meaning “Consolation.”

Barnabas character was outstanding and he was a godly man and servant. He is further described in Acts 11:24, “For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith…” How would you like to be described this way? He sought out Paul and they became a great missionary team, winning souls to Christ, establishing churches, and teaching the Word. The Lord said of them, “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit, said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I called them” (Acts 13:2).

The lesson for all of us is to be positive and encourage others. Everyone needs encouragement and being encouragers is something all of us can do. We represent the Lord Jesus Christ wherever we go: at home, at church, at school, at work. The best way to encourage others to value and appreciate them for what they do. Paul also did this with so many people. I am sure the Barnabas encouraged Paul, and Paul encouraged Barnabas. With all the bad things happening in the world, we need people like Barnabas, now more than ever.

May the Lord help us to be encouragers. It just takes commitment and effort, with love for others. It can be verbal or non-verbal, it can be spoken or written, and it may be to one person or many at one time. When we make ourselves available, He will make us useful.

Have a blessed day encouraging others, and you will find that God will use others to encourage you. Stay safe and healthy.

In His eternal love and comfort,

Dean