Where Are the Encouragers?
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. – Hebrews 10:24-25
“In the New Testament book of Acts, we read about a believer in Christ whom the apostles called Barnabas, which means ‘son of encouragement,’ because of his unique ability to uplift people wherever he went. Wouldn’t you like to be called a son or daughter of encouragement, especially in these difficult days when so many are discouraged and ready to quit because of the situation in the world and their own personal circumstances? In fact, encouragement is so needed in the body of Christ, that the ability to encourage others is listed as one of the spiritual gifts in the apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans (Romans 12:8). But this wonderful ability is not relegated to a chosen few with a special gift. The New Testament letter to the Hebrews tells us that we are to encourage each other and spur one another on toward love and good deeds. You don’t have to go far to give someone confidence and hope. Just pick up the phone and give the person words of encouragement. Tell them that you are thinking about them and praying for them. God is going to help you to be an encourager in the name of Jesus Christ.” – Pastor Cymbala
- What does the name Barnabas mean in the original Greek?
- Read Acts 4:36-37 and Acts 11:22-26 and explain how Barnabas lived up to the name that the apostles had given him.
- Name a time in your life when you were discouraged and the Lord used someone to encourage you.
- How do we know from God’s Word that the ability to encourage others is important in the body of Christ?
- What are some of the ways that you can encourage someone this week?