The Blessing of Encouragement

Photo image courtesy Nancy Williams

Therefore, comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

– 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Recently, I trudged into church for evening choir practice, feeling dejected and tired. It seemed as if my work in writing devotions was inadequate, stale, and fruitless.

But as I walked past a women’s Bible study group, a friend reached out to greet me, telling me how much she appreciated my devotions. In front of others, she raved about my writing and how my words continued to touch her.

I thanked her and found my steps were a lot lighter as I continued into the choir loft.

Less than a week later, another church friend sent a note to say my devotion blog had made him smile, my subject matter had timed perfectly with his teaching for senior citizens.

Our church is blessed to have a lot of cheerleaders like Pat and Bob. I’m very thankful for them.

You know the ones in your own life. They’re always on your side, the coaches who keep you going, the ones in the stands cheering your name until they’re hoarse, the ones who keep up with you. They reach out deliberately to offer their praise. They stop in their tracks to offer sweet prayers over you.

Every time you see these folks, you joyfully anticipate talking with them. Their comments are never for their own benefit, never shallow. Instead, their conversations come naturally because they have a selfless attitude.

Barnabas was a leader in the early church of the First Century. While his original name was Joseph or Joses, the apostles called him “Barnabas,” meaning “Son of Encouragement.” Barnabas was generous (Acts 4:36-37), called by the Holy Spirit to be a missionary with Paul (Acts 13:2), and beloved by others (Acts 15:25).

When Paul and Barnabas disagreed over Mark’s role with their mission team, Barnabas separated himself from Paul to take Mark aside. Perhaps Barnabas intended to mentor Mark despite Paul’s disappointment in the younger man. If so, the encouraging influence of Barnabas must have been significant because Paul speaks kindly of Mark later...wanting Mark to join him in his final days.

I sure wish I was a more active encourager like Barnabas and my sweet friends at church. Getting out of my self-focused shell takes a lot of effort, and I have to continually ask the Holy Spirit to yank me into awareness of the needs around me.

Barnabas, inspired by the Spirit, inspires us today to have the same sacrificial generosity, enthusiasm for sharing the Gospel, and kindness to others. But mostly we need to remember him for being a faithful encourager whose words and actions gave others strength, perseverance, and hope.

Friend, do you want to be a better encourager, too? Let’s look for opportunities to share hugs, kind words, and praises for those around us. Our friends, family, and even strangers respond to genuine compliments and supportive remarks.

May you and I offer words and actions today in Christ’s love for others...and may their hearts and ours be blessed.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Think of those who have been encouragers in your life. How can you be more like them?

2. What are some ways you can remind yourself to be more Christ-centered?

3. Who are some of the people in your life who need encouragement from you?