The Power of Encouragement

Some people are remembered for their titles. Others are remembered for their accomplishments. Barnabas was remembered for one thing: encouragement. The apostles even gave him a new name. His real name was Joseph, but Acts 4:36 says they called him Barnabas, which means “Son of Encouragement.”

Think about that. He wasn’t first known for preaching sermons or leading movements. He was known for showing up with encouragement. His presence lifted others. His words gave strength. His generosity sparked a culture of giving that fueled the early church.

Encouragement is not a small thing—it can change destinies.
When Saul (later known as Paul) tried to join the church in Jerusalem, the believers rejected him. They only knew his past—the man who had persecuted Christians. No one wanted to trust him. But Barnabas stood beside him.

“But 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.”
— Acts 9:27

That moment of encouragement opened the door for Paul’s ministry—the man who would go on to write much of the New Testament. Later, Barnabas also refused to give up on a young man named John Mark, who went on to write the Gospel of Mark. All because Barnabas believed in people. All because he encouraged.

You may not feel like a preacher or a leader, but when you encourage someone, you are walking in the same anointing Barnabas carried. And you never know how far that encouragement may go.

Reflection

Who in your life needs a Barnabas right now? One person who needs you to stand beside them, speak life into them, or remind them that God isn’t finished with their story?

Prayer

Father, thank You for people who have encouraged me. Fill me with Your Spirit so I can be an encourager to others. Give me eyes to see those who feel unseen, and courage to speak life into them. Use my encouragement to change destinies. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Reading Plan: Gospel of Mark in 4 Weeks

Week 3 — Mark 9–12