“Be A Barnabas”
You can make a difference in someone’s life by simply encouraging them. We live in a divisive and cruel world where people get angry and spew terrible words out of their mouths attempting to hurt others. And whether the words are said verbally or printed on social media, they are destructive.
The name “Barnabas” literally means “Son of Encouragement,”and was a vital figure in the early church. When others saw doubt or mistrust in Paul and Mark, Barnabas stepped in with encouraging words and support.
Every single day of our lives most of us have an opportunity to make someone smile, offer an encouraging word, or remind someone of their self-worth. Where would you be today if it weren’t for others lifting you up when you were feeling down or like a failure.
Jesus taught that we are to “love others more than ourselves,” and treat them with kindness. Basically, treat them the same way we want them to treat us. Some people will never get this principle, but you can. Some will choose to tear people apart because of their skin color, religion, or country they are from. As a child of God, we are better than that because God makes us better. When surrendered to His will and the power of His Spirit we can treat and serve others as Jesus does.
We’re able to do this because of the change Christ has made on our lives that allows us to see others as Jesus sees them. Because God’s Spirit lives within us we have the ability to look past their faults and failures and listen
