encouragerBarnabas is called the Son of encouragement.  His real name is Joseph, but every time we encounter him in the Bible he is encouraging someone.  We first encounter him when he has made a generous donation to the church early in the book of Acts.  Generosity and Encouragement go together. You are not likely to pass along encouragement if you don’t posses a generous spirit.  We all want someone to encourage us, but we are not all as interested in encouraging others.  This is one of those areas where it is more blessed to give than to receive.  As you wait for someone to come along and encourage you, it might never happen.  What is keeping you from offering true encouragement to someone else?  You can change a lot of things once you stop feeling sorry for yourself and start looking around  and start offering words and actions of encouragement and support.

Many folks have an opinion regarding the subject of encouragement.

Flatter me, and I may not believe you.  Criticize me, and I may not like you.  Ignore me, and I may not forgive you.  Encourage me and I may not forget you.  Love me and I may be forced to love you.  William Arthur Ward

Barnabas was the one the church sent to investigate whether it was really possible for Gentiles to be saved.  It was Barnabas who took  Saul/Paul under his wing.  When others in the church were afraid he was the same person who persecuted the church.  Again, it was Barnabas who gave him a chance.  You see  an encourager believes in the transforming power of God that changes people!
When Paul became discouraged with Mark, and did not want him to go with he and Barnabas on the next mission trip.  It was Barnabas who said, ‘I will take him and I will work with him.’  Because of this kindness, Paul would say later that Mark was valuable to him.  People who encourage are willing to take a risk on a person, and work with them and help to mentor them.  Who could you mentor?
None of us would make it, were it not for some one showing us grace, kindness and love.  There are a lot of things I cannot do.  I cannot sing, or play an instrument.  But, I can encourage someone today!  Stop feeling sorry for yourself and start investing your life in helping others.  There is someone right where you are who needs you today.

 

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