Becoming Known for Encouragement: Lessons from Barnabas
The words we speak about others matter deeply. They can give life, build up, and inspire people to reach heights they never thought possible. Conversely, they can tear down, hurt, and even drastically alter the direction of someone’s life. Our reputations, what people know, think, and say about us, precede us wherever we go.
Who Was Barnabas and Why Does His Story Matter?
In the book of Acts, we meet a man named Joseph. But people didn’t call him Joseph. They called him Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement.” This nickname wasn’t arbitrary. It reflected his character and actions so profoundly that it became his identity.
We first encounter Barnabas in Acts 4:36-37: “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.”
From his very introduction, Barnabas is shown giving generously to help those in need. The writer of Acts specifically highlights him among others who were doing similar acts of generosity. Why? Because Barnabas understood something fundamental: what he owned was never truly his to begin with.
What Does Biblical Encouragement Look Like?
Encouragement Looks Like Giving What We Have
Barnabas sold his field and gave the proceeds to support the early church community. He didn’t cling to his possessions because he recognized they were gifts from God meant to bless others. True encouragement often involves giving—not just our words, but our resources, time, and talents.
Encouragement Looks Like Welcoming the Sinner
Later in Acts, we see Barnabas taking a significant risk. When Saul (later known as Paul) converted to Christianity after persecuting believers, the disciples in Jerusalem were understandably afraid and skeptical. But Acts 9:27 tells us: “Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.”
When everyone else was afraid, Barnabas stuck his neck out for Saul. He saw beyond Saul’s notorious past to the transformation God was working in him. Barnabas welcomed the former persecutor because he understood how much he himself had been forgiven.
Encouragement Looks Like Seeking Reconciliation
Paul and Barnabas eventually became ministry partners, traveling together on missionary journeys. However, in Acts 15, they had a sharp disagreement over whether to bring John Mark on their next journey. Paul refused because John Mark had deserted them previously. Barnabas, true to his nature, wanted to give John Mark another chance.
The disagreement was so severe that Paul and Barnabas parted ways. Interestingly, this is the last mention of Barnabas in the book of Acts. However, in later writings like 1 Corinthians, Paul mentions Barnabas in a way that suggests they had reconciled, even if they never ministered together again.
Barnabas sought reconciliation because he understood that Jesus had reconciled us to God. It’s all about restoring relationships.
Why Should We Become Known for Encouragement?
Barnabas wasn’t perfect. We don’t look at his example because he got everything right, but because even in his imperfection, he consistently chose to encourage others.
The main reason Barnabas became known for encouragement, and why we should aspire to the same, is because our hope in God’s kingdom empowers us to encourage one another. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul writes: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
This command comes in the context of Paul reminding believers about Jesus’ return. Our encouragement of others flows from the hope we have in Christ—both for today and for eternity.
How Can We Encourage Others This Week?
How Can You Give Generously?
Who in your life needs help right now? Remember that whatever you have, whether material possessions, skills, or time, ultimately comes from God. He has uniquely positioned you to bless others with what He’s given you.
Maybe it’s that old car you keep paying insurance on that someone else could really use. Perhaps it’s a financial gift to someone struggling to make ends meet. Or it could be as simple as giving your time to listen to someone who’s hurting.
Who Could Use Your Support?
Is there someone in your life who has recently turned to Jesus after living in sin? They might feel awkward or out of place in church settings. You could be the Barnabas who welcomes them and helps them feel accepted.
Remember that you are Jesus to the people around you. How can you support those who are on the outside looking in?
What Relationships Need Reconciliation?
None of us is perfect. We’ve all said or done things that have hurt others, even within our church family. Is there someone you need to reconcile with? Be the “bigger Christian” and humbly approach them to make things right.
Addressing difficult situations is always better than sweeping them under the rug. We’ve been forgiven of so much by God; how can we not extend forgiveness to others?
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to become known as an encourager in your community. Here are some questions to reflect on:
- Who needs your encouragement right now? Think of someone specific who could use a word of affirmation, a note of encouragement, or a tangible expression of support.
- What resources has God given you that you could share? Remember that everything you have ultimately comes from God. How might He be calling you to use those resources to encourage others?
- Is there a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation? Don’t let pride keep you from making the first move toward healing a broken relationship.
- How can you welcome someone who feels like an outsider? Look for opportunities to be a Barnabas to someone who might feel marginalized or unwelcome.
The hope we have in Christ’s kingdom, both present and future, empowers us to encourage one another. When we encourage others, we reflect the character of Jesus, who has encouraged us through His life, death, and resurrection. Let’s aspire to be people who, like Barnabas, become known for our encouragement of others.