In Acts 4:36, Joseph, a Levite born in Cyprus, wasn't remembered by that name alone. The apostles called him Barnabas, which means "Son of Encouragement."
What an incredible legacy -- to be known as someone who lifted others up.
It made me stop and think.
Would those closest to me describe me as an encourager? A peacemaker? A giver of hope? Someone who leaves people better than they found them?
The world has enough critics.
It has enough complainers.
It has enough people who are quick to point out what's wrong.
What it desperately needs is more “Barnabases” -- more daughters and sons of encouragement.
Encouragement doesn't require a microphone or a stage.
Sometimes it's a handwritten note, a warm smile, a sincere compliment, a meal for a hurting neighbor, a prayer offered quietly, or a phone call that begins with, "I was just thinking about you."
Have you ever noticed how one encouraging word can change the course of someone's entire day? We may never know the battles another person is fighting. A kind word spoken at just the right moment may be the very reminder they needed that God sees them and loves them.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up."
Imagine what would happen if every one of us determined to encourage just one person every day.
Homes would be happier.
Churches would be stronger.
Friendships would grow deeper.
Even strangers would experience a glimpse of God's love through our words and actions.
Let's become known as people who bring hope instead of hurt, peace instead of pressure, and kindness instead of criticism.
May others walk away from us thinking, "I feel stronger because we spent time together."
Isn’t that what encouragement is? Not making people admire us – but helping them believe that, with God’s help, they can take one more step.
Now that is a legacy worth leaving!
#encourager #legacy #EncourageOneAnother
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