Barnabas A Biblical Model/Example of An Encourager
Barnabas is perhaps the most famous encourager in the New Testament. In fact he embodied encouragement so much that the apostles changed his name from Joseph to Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement.”
From the life of Barnabas I want to give you five characteristics of an encourager:
1. Encouragers are givers. In Acts 4:36-37, Barnabas sells his land and gives money to the apostles.
- Encouragers do something tangible to encourage others.
2. Encouragers are supporters. In Acts 9:20-27, people are questioning Paul’s conversion and Barnabas steps up and brings him to the Apostles.
- Encouragers have the ability to look beyond someone’s past and accept them for who they are in Christ.
3. Encouragers are helpers. In Acts 11:21-24 Barnabas helped the young converts get established in the faith.
- Encouragers are NOT critical, but helpful to others.
4. Encouragers look for partners. In Acts 11:24-25, when the Gentile church is really starting to grow, Barnabas leaves to find Paul.
- Encouragers are more interested in meeting needs than getting credit.
5. Encouragers are forgivers. In Acts 15:36, Paul and Barnabas split ways over whether to take John Mark with them on their next missionary journey.
- Encouragers are forgiving people who give others a second chance.
Remember, people want to follow encouragers!
Who is the Barnabas in your life/ministry? Who are you a Barnabas to?
I believe in you and appreciate you. Together we are building the Kingdom of God in Virginia.