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Exploring Encouragement with Barnabas
by Richard Zowie
Paul encourages us in Romans 14:19 to edify, or encourage, each other. The apostle had a lot of firsthand knowledge about encouragement: his mentor was Barnabas, whose name means "Son of Encouragement." Paul learned, quite vividly, the priceless value of encouragement. Encouragement consists of lifting or cheering someone up, providing positive reinforcement. The Merriam-Webster dictionary specifically defines encouragement as "to inspire with courage, spirit or hope; to spur on; to give help or patronage to." When Paul uses edify in Romans 14:19, the idea is of building someone up.Encouragement can be used in many ways. It helps new Christians grow and get over the turbulent early times when Satan tries to saturate them with persecution to discourage them or get them to regret their decision to follow Christ.Scripture details two of the many times the Son of Encouragement used his positive reinforcement skills. The first time, he provided Paul with much-needed edification as Paul began his new life in Christ after a career of zealously persecuting the church. Acts 9:27 tells us: "And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.""But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus."At this time, the disciples had only known Paul by his former name, Saul. I detailed Paul's transgressions in an earlier column, so I'll spare the details and just note that the disciples must've found it very difficult to believe that such an evil man was now a fellow believer in Jesus. Barnabas not only vouched for Paul's newfound faith, but also encouraged the disciples to accept Paul. This obviously was a difficult task given the disciples' apprehension toward Paul. I can imagine that along with using encouragement to put the disciples' concerns to rest, Barnabas also spent ample time taking Paul under his wing and helping him tremendously during his early time of living in Christ. If Paul had questions, Barnabas was there. If Paul felt discouragement, Barnabas was there. If Paul needed someone to confide in, Barnabas was there.The second time scripture shows Barnabas providing encouragement, he is helping to lead people to the Lord. Acts 11:22-24 tells us about it: "Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.""Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.""For he was a good person, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord."We weren't there, but based on what the passage says, I can imagine that Barnabas simply shared with the crowd what he thought of as good news: that God loved them so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die for their sins. Encouraged by the warmth and friendliness of Barnabas, many came to know the Lord on that day.Barnabas' actions give examples of how simple it can be to provide encouragement to other people. If you know a Christian who's feeling down or a lost person who needs to be shown God's love, follow Barnabas' example. You have the power through Christ to be a positive influence. Be a person of hope, choose the life of an encourager.
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Richard Zowie
Columnist
Richard Zowie, a former San Antonio resident, currently lives in Michigan and works as a freelance writer. Besides being a regular contributor to saworship.com, his work has also appeared in several publications in Texas including the San Antonio Express-News and Prime Time Newspapers. He also writes a current events/general commentary column, ?Richard?s Ramblings? for his hometown paper, the Beeville Bee-Picayune. Richard's blog is at www.richardzowie.blogspot.com.
mytwoshekels@gmail.com
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