Someone to walk alongside – 20 July 2010

“Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.” Acts 4:36-37 [NIV]

‘Barnabas’ was a nickname for a man who was such an encouragement to everyone. Not a bad thing to be known for!

We don’t know a huge amount about Barnabas, though we know a lot about Paul. What we do know about Barnabas is that again and again in the book of Acts we read ‘Barnabas and Paul’, and we hear about the way in which he was an encouragement.

In a sense we are all called to be a Barnabas, to encourage other people. We can also learn from the relationship that Barnabas and Paul shared – one of mutual encouragement.

The Bible has lots of examples of excellent close friendships, and many Christians have found it to be one of the keys to growing as a person and as a Christian.

Life is so much better if you have someone to walk alongside, sharing good times and not so good, spurring you on in your faith and praying with you, encouraging you. 

How are you doing being an encourager? In your life is there someone for you who is like Barnabas was to Paul?