Mark spoke this morning on the subject of encouraging, citing Barnabas as a good example of someone with the gift of encouragement. Barnabas is seen in Acts 9:26-30, introducing Saul – former persecutor of the church – to believers and urging them to give him the opportunity to show how God had changed him. Others were fearful and suspicious of this volte-face, perhaps feeling Saul was just pretending to be a Christian in order to infiltrate the church and wreak havoc, but Barnabas had a different attitude, encouraging Saul to speak and the apostles to listen. Given that Saul went on to become the great apostle, Paul, Barnabas’s encouragement had a profound effect on history and the whole of the New Testament, showing us the power of encouragement.
In Acts 11:19-23, Barnabas and Paul were sent by the church in Jerusalem to see what was happening in Antioch. Barnabas encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts, endorsing the move of the Holy Spirit among the Greek-speaking world. He encouraged the people to be true to God’s purposes and again had a great influence on the whole church.
Acts 15:36-39 shows us Barnabas and Paul in ‘sharp disagreement’ over whether or not to take John Mark with them on their next missionary journey. Paul was reluctant, feeling that John Mark had let them down badly on their previous journey and was therefore unreliable. Barnabas, true to his name (‘son of encouragement’), saw the potential in John Mark, however, and wanted to give him a second chance. He mirrored God’s heart, for God sees our potential and gives us countless second chances in Him.
It is very easy to complain, criticise and discourage people. Discouragement can be a dream-killer, but encouragement can be a bridge builder. We need to mirror God’s heart as Barnabas did and be encouragers, seeing the potential in people, looking beyond where they are now and seeing what they can become in God. Our aim should be to help others to fulfil the plan and purpose God has for every individual’s life and as we encourage, we too are encouraged in a circle of encouragement. (Rom 1:8-12)
