His parents named him Joseph, but we don’t know him by that name. That’s because the apostles gave him the nickname for which he would forever be remembered in Scripture. Barnabas means “son of encouragement,” and it’s obvious why the apostles named him that. Nearly every time we read of him in the New Testament, he is doing something to lift up others.
The world needs more encouragers today. Morristown Church of Christ needs more encouragers. Anyone can be an encourager, and encouragement is not a work reserved just for a select few. How can we encourage each other?
Is someone missing from worship or church events? You can encourage them! Let them know that they’re missed, that you’re praying for them, and see if there’s something you can do to encourage them spiritually. And encourage others by being present yourself!
Is someone sick, recovering from surgery, or shut-in? You can encourage them! Give them a call, send them a card, visit them, or bring them a meal. When you encourage others in such ways, you will be amazed by how God encourages you.
Is someone being overlooked or forgotten by others? You can encourage them! Barnabas stood beside Saul (Acts 9:27) and Mark (Acts 15:39) when they most needed a friend. There are people around us today who need our friendship too.
Are negativity & criticism overwhelming your life? Few things are as discouraging as a pessimism, and it is easy to let the darkness dim your light. Satan always wins when we hide our lights under the bushel (Matthew 5:14-16). However, you can choose to break through the darkness by encouraging others. A compliment, a word of thanks, and praise for that which is good are far greater than criticism, ingratitude, and complaining.
Does someone need the Gospel? You can encourage them by telling of God’s good news and his plan of salvation through Jesus. After all, that is what we find Barnabas doing more than anything else in Scripture. Because he was a “son of encouragement,” Joseph’s identity was forever changed for his impact on others. May we be like him by using our presence to encourage others and point them to Christ.
The world needs more encouragers today. Morristown Church of Christ needs more encouragers. Anyone can be an encourager, and encouragement is not a work reserved just for a select few. How can we encourage each other?
Is someone missing from worship or church events? You can encourage them! Let them know that they’re missed, that you’re praying for them, and see if there’s something you can do to encourage them spiritually. And encourage others by being present yourself!
Is someone sick, recovering from surgery, or shut-in? You can encourage them! Give them a call, send them a card, visit them, or bring them a meal. When you encourage others in such ways, you will be amazed by how God encourages you.
Is someone being overlooked or forgotten by others? You can encourage them! Barnabas stood beside Saul (Acts 9:27) and Mark (Acts 15:39) when they most needed a friend. There are people around us today who need our friendship too.
Are negativity & criticism overwhelming your life? Few things are as discouraging as a pessimism, and it is easy to let the darkness dim your light. Satan always wins when we hide our lights under the bushel (Matthew 5:14-16). However, you can choose to break through the darkness by encouraging others. A compliment, a word of thanks, and praise for that which is good are far greater than criticism, ingratitude, and complaining.
Does someone need the Gospel? You can encourage them by telling of God’s good news and his plan of salvation through Jesus. After all, that is what we find Barnabas doing more than anything else in Scripture. Because he was a “son of encouragement,” Joseph’s identity was forever changed for his impact on others. May we be like him by using our presence to encourage others and point them to Christ.