In what ways can you be a "son of encouragement" in your community? Barnabas: our literal, living example “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’), sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” (Acts 4:36-37) What set Barnabas apart? • He believed the Word and acted on it without hesitation. • He gave sacrificially and transparently. • He used words to build up, never to tear down (cf. Acts 11:23). • He stuck with people others wrote off—first Saul (Acts 9:26-28), later John Mark (Acts 15:37-39). • He rejoiced when God blessed others and urged them to remain true (Acts 11:23-24). Practical ways you can be a “son of encouragement” today 1. Speak life-giving words • “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) • Look for something genuine to commend in every person you meet. • Replace sarcasm and criticism with sincere affirmation. 2. Offer presence, not just advice • “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15) • Sit beside the hospital bed, attend the school play, show up at the funeral home. • Your silent companionship often speaks louder than many words. 3. Give materially when you see a need • “If anyone has this world’s goods and sees his brother in need yet fails to help, how can the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17) • Set aside a portion of each paycheck for spontaneous generosity—groceries, utility bills, gas cards. • Organize or quietly participate in benevolence projects at church or in the neighborhood. 4. Bridge relational gaps • Barnabas introduced the formerly feared Saul to wary believers (Acts 9:26-28). • Invite newcomers into established circles—small groups, family dinners, community projects. • Use your credibility to vouch for someone whose reputation needs redeeming. 5. Mentor the next generation • Barnabas invested in John Mark until he became “useful for ministry” (cf. 2 Timothy 4:11). • Offer consistent, face-to-face guidance to teens, young adults, or new believers. • Celebrate their progress publicly; correct privately and gently. 6. Call the church to faithfulness • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) • Share testimonies of answered prayer, missionary updates, or service opportunities to fan zeal. • Remind fellow believers—lovingly but firmly—of the hope and standards Scripture lays down. 7. Promote unity over personal preference • Barnabas partnered with Paul, later with Mark; the mission mattered more than ego. • Refuse to gossip; shut it down by changing the subject or pointing toward reconciliation. • Volunteer for needed but unnoticed tasks, modeling a servant heart (cf. Mark 10:45). 8. Radiate genuine joy • “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” (Proverbs 17:22) • Smile, greet by name, and express gratitude often. • Your steady joy rooted in Christ reassures weary souls that God is still at work. Living it out this week • Identify one person who could use encouragement; contact them within 24 hours. • Set aside one possession or amount of money to give away anonymously. • Replace one critical remark with a spoken blessing, echoing Ephesians 4:29. Following Barnabas’ literal example under Scripture’s trustworthy guidance, you become a modern “son of encouragement,” and Christ is magnified in your community. |
    |