Played: 11 | Download | Duration: 00:02:17

Be Like Barnabas

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.
Acts 4:36-37

Barnabas, a man whose name meant “Son of Encouragement,” was a leader in the early Christian Church. He was known for his kindness and for his ability to encourage others. Because of Barnabas, Paul was accepted by the Apostles and many people were introduced to Christ. And today, as followers of Jesus Christ living in a difficult world, we must seek to imitate the “Son of Encouragement.”

We imitate Barnabas when we speak kind words to our families and to our friends. We imitate Barnabas when our actions reveal our beliefs. We imitate Barnabas when we are generous with our possessions and with our praise. We imitate Barnabas when we give hope to the hopeless and encouragement to the downtrodden.

Today, be like Barnabas: become a source of encouragement to those who cross your path. When you do so, you will quite literally change the world, one person at a time.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father. I thank You for the examples we have in Your Word of the impact an encourager can have on people. Help me not to be so inwardly focused on my own needs and wants but to be like Barnabas, who looked at the needs of others. Today, Lord, give me the wisdom, words and boldness to be an encourager to those who cross my path who need a word, a hand or a hug. I pray this in Jesus' Name. Amen