Be an Encourager
Acts 4:36 (NLT) “…there was Joseph, the one of the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means ‘son of encouragement’)…”
Barnabas was an encourager. He encouraged Paul, he encouraged John Mark, he encouraged others. He truly was a ‘son of encouragement.’ Today, more than ever, we need sons and daughters of encouragement. People who will bless you by just being in their company. People who lift up your spirit. Who have a way of encouraging you, by the words that they say or the things that they do. In a world of so much negativity and bad news it’s good to be encouraged. We need to be encouraged. It brightens our outlook, gladdens our heart and lightens the load. What a blessing it is to someone when you just say the right thing, or give sound advice, compliment a success, or praise a fine effort.
Proverbs 15:23 (NLT) “Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!” Many a successful man or woman are where they are today, because their mum or dad gave them the encouragement they so badly needed along the way.
William Barclay, The Letters to the Hebrews “One of the highest of human duties is the duty of encouragement…It is easy to laugh at men’s ideals; it is easy to pour cold water on their enthusiasm; it is easy to discourage others. The world is full of discouragers. We have a Christian duty to encourage one another. Many a time a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man who speaks such a word.”
It was Mark Twain who said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.”
Jesus was a great encourager. He was always saying to people things like: fear not – only believe – do not worry – take up your bed and walk – according to your faith be it unto you – your sins are forgiven you. No wonder people said, ‘Never man spoke like this man.’
A young mother was sick in bed when her nine-year old daughter walked in from school. Thinking her mother was asleep, she quietly unfolded the blanket at the foot of the bed and gently tucked it around her mum. The mother stirred, then whispered, “It wasn’t too long ago that I was tucking you in. And now you’re covering me.” The little girl, bending over her mother, replied, “We take turns.” If we all took turns at encouraging one another, the world would be such a nicer place. Be a ‘son of encouragement.’
Proverbs 16:24 (NLT) “Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
- Pastor David Goudy