When you think of encouragement, who comes to mind? Who is an encourager in your life?
What does encouragement look like for you? Words? Actions?
Encouragement can be as simple as a smile and nod of agreement as you share something from your heart. It may be a kind word, sincere gesture of affection, or a timely prayer.
I've had several people in my life who have been encouragers. I'm thankful to be married to one of them.
Barnabas
There is one person in the Bible, other than Jesus, who was a living example of encouragement. His name is Barnabas. His real name was Joseph, but he was called Barnabas, which means Son of Encouragement. He lived up to his name.
He is introduced to us as the early followers of Jesus formed into a church community. He is an example of the nature of this early community of believers. The apostles (church leaders) gave Joseph the name Barnabas, he didn't name himself. [Acts 4:34-37]
Barnabas was a follower of Jesus, and showed this by example
The early church was torn apart by a zealous Jewish leader named Saul, who would later be known as the apostle Paul.
After Saul (Paul) became a follower of Jesus the Messiah, other believers were afraid of him, including the leaders. They didn't trust Saul and wouldn't accept him as one of them, at first.
Barnabas the mentor
In steps Barnabas. He came alongside this new convert who had proved himself in Damascus where he became a believer.
Barnabas stood up for Saul (Paul). He vouched for him. Because people trusted Barnabas, they accepted Paul. [Acts 9:26-30]
True encouragers are trustworthy
Encouragers see the best in people
Barnabas knew Paul was special, with special gifts as a teacher and leader, and a special calling and purpose in life. When Barnabas was sent to Antioch in response to a great spiritual awakening, he remembered Paul, who was sent to his homeland of Tarsus.
Barnabas knew Paul's gifts of leadership were valuable and needed in Antioch, so he sought him out in Tarsus. (Acts 11:19-26)
Encouragers are humble enough to see past themselves
This resulted in a strong church established as an extension of the primary one in Jerusalem. It is out of this church, which was developed under Paul and Barnabas' leadership, that the first cross-cultural missionaries were sent out.
Barnabas and Paul, as primary leaders, were sent out to preach the gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. (Acts 13:1-3)
Encouragement is an important element in leadership
This partnership produced a great harvest of new believers and new churches. This growth resulted in a need to define what we call the Christian Faith today. (Acts 15)
Although this partnership continued to have a great impact upon this powerful church body in Antioch, it didn't last.
A dispute broke out between Paul and Barnabas, and this partnership was broken, or so it appears. Why? Because Barnabas wanted to give a young man named John Mark a second chance. (Acts 15:36-41)
Encouragers are messengers of God's grace
Encouragers see beyond themselves
Barnabas is never mentioned in the book of Acts after this incident. Much has been made of this, with some people concluding that Barnabas was wrong in standing up to Paul. But was he?
Encouragers see beyond themselves for the sake of others
In later years, Paul realizes the great value John Mark was to the church. While imprisoned in Rome and writing to the church in Colosse, he says as much, "...Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him)" (Col 4:10)
Later, as Paul sees his life coming to an end during his second imprisonment, he makes a request. He asks for John Mark to be brought to him in Rome. Why? "Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry." (2 Tim 4:11)
Barnabas, who had stood up for Paul and brought him to Antioch, did the same for John Mark. Had he not done so, would John Mark be useful in ministry? Would the Gospel of Mark been written?
Encouragement is valuable and useful
Encouragement isn't just pleasant words and helpful actions. It can include risking our own reputation for the benefit of someone else.
Encouraging others requires genuine humility
Encouragers reflect the nature of Jesus
Barnabas exemplifies the nature of encouragement. Although Jesus is our ultimate example, Barnabas gives us an example that is reachable.
What was Barnabas' secret? It's no secret at all. He was a true follower of Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit—the Comforter and Advocate given to believers by Jesus.
Encouragement is intended to be a part of the nature of all followers of Jesus. [see Acts 11:24; also John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7-14]
If you want encouragement, give it away to others
If you want a real-life example consider Joseph, the man called Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement.
Look for someone who needs encouragement today and encourage them!
Thanks for passing the word along ;-)