We all need encouragement

One of our church members came into my office yesterday morning, walked straight to my desk, and said, "Preacher, I love you." He went on to tell me how much the message from the night before had meant to him. I can't tell you how much his words of encouragement meant to me. The Lord used his few words to give me great strength and excitement for the week that was to come - I needed it.

Barnabas was a man whose life was characterized by being an encourager. In fact, his name means, "son of encouragement". We all need Barnabases in our lives and we certainly should try to be a Barnabas in others lives as well. Just like the kind gentleman who spoke a few words to me, it doesn't take long to let someone know you appreciate them.

Barnabas is not as well known as the apostle Paul, but it's quite likely that we would not have the 13 books he wrote in the New Testament or the many churches he planted across Asia Minor, if Barnabas had not come along to help him. You see, in the beginning of Paul's ministry, Christians were skeptical of Paul's conversion. They were also afraid of him because of all the horrible things he did to Christians prior to his Damascus Road conversion experience. Barnabas came alongside Paul and spoke up for him and the legitimacy of his ministry.

Acts 9:26-27 - "And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus."

Barnabas' confirming and encouraging words were just the boost Paul needed for his ministry to "take off". Paul did great things for the Kingdom of God. He owed a lot of his success to Barnabas' help. Would we even know about Paul if it had not been for Barnabas? Maybe, maybe not. You can be a Barnabas in someone's life today. Will you take the time to be an encourager? Those you help will appreciate it and you never know the impact it may have in someone's life.

Thank you to all the Barnabases in my life. I love you all.

-Jay