Encouraging Growth – Strengthening Others
When Barnabas first encouraged the disciples to give Paul another chance, he didn't just leave Paul there and go on his way.
In those early years before their split, Barnabas was essential in helping Paul become the man he was meant to be. He spent much time investing in Paul's life and encouraging him to grow and develop.
We see this in Acts 11 - things are going really well in the church, and many people are coming to Christ and finding redemption. We read: "News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch." (Acts 11:22-26)
Encouragement That Produces Holiness
We see Barnabas encouraging the new Christians to stay true. We see him meeting with them and giving them words to inspire and help them as they begin their Christian journey. Then we see him going to look for Paul, and bringing him back to Antioch so that he could help him grow as a teacher and preacher himself.
His encouragement was not just generic. He wanted to encourage Christians to become stronger Christians!
This calls to mind that verse from Hebrews: "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today,' so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." (Hebrews 3:13)
Our encouragement is aimed to keep each other from sin's deceitfulness! Isn't that what Barnabas did here? He encouraged them "to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts", the text said.
Finding Your Barnabas
I have been greatly strengthened in my own faith by a few Barnabas types like this! I have two close friends, especially, who I talk with regularly about the state of our hearts. We encourage each other. We help each other stay sharp and focused and holy!
I have a few minister friends too, who I meet with from time to time. We encourage each other. We give each other space to share about the things that we struggle with. We try to be Barnabas-types for each other.
Lee Gattis, an Anglican priest in the UK, wrote this in his book Fulfil Your Ministry: "Christians should never be self-assured, self-contained, rugged individualists, but should seek out other Christians to encourage and be encouraged by as, together, we cleanse ourselves from what is dishonourable."
Be a Barnabas, and allow another to be a Barnabas to you. Mutual encouragement helps us grow and be strong in our faith. Don't neglect this!
Barnabas encouraged Paul to use his gifts and to grow in his faith. Look what became of him. He went on to do great things, and I think the encouragement of Barnabas had an immeasurable impact on Paul.
I wonder who God wants you to encourage to grow in their faith today. What might happen in their lives, if you speak words of encouragement that they might not otherwise hear?
Barnabas didn't just open doors for others - he walked alongside them, investing in their growth and keeping them true to the Lord. Who in your life could grow deeper in faith with your encouragement?