Joseph, a Levite and a Cypriot by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas, which is translated Son of Encouragement, sold a field he owned, brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:36-37 HCSB
There was a man in a church that I served as Minister of Education and Administration that I looked forward to seeing each Sunday. Jim had the gift of encouragement. He always had a positive and uplifting word for me. I felt better about myself and what I was doing because of his positive words.
Barnabas was a respected leader in the early church. Names in the first century were reflective of one’s nature or character. The name of Barnabas meant “Son of Encouragement”. Evidently, he was a person much like my friend who consistently encouraged and built up other people. Barnabas was also a very generous person as indicated by his selling a field and bringing the money to the apostles to be used to meet the needs of other believers.
Challenge: Would others consider you to be an encourager? Look for ways to encourage your friends, family members, relatives, work associates, and neighbors. Would God consider you to be a generous person? Consider what God is asking you to give or do for His work and then trust Him to provide what is needed. Please pray for my friend, Jim, who is currently recovering from major heart surgery.