Encouragement

Who doesn't like to be encouraged?  Everyone likes to hear, "you did a great job" or "you are very talented" and the list goes on and on.  Everyone needs encouragement at one time or another.

One of the most well-known encourager in the Bible is Barnabas.  Barnabas was chosen to spread the gospel.  He was drawn to people he could encourage and he helped those who were around him.  Barnabas' life shows us that we are all in situations where we can encourage someone.

So often, we want to criticize someone instead of encouraging.  Barnabas understood that the best way of helping someone or building their trust, you need to lift people up instead of bringing them down.

There are so many verses in the Bible that encourage.  Here are at least three verses.

Isaiah 40:31 - "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Isaiah 43:2 - "When you pass through the waters,  I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

As you begin a new week, I want you to take time to share a smile; help someone and even share some encouraging words.  Also, write down some of these verses on a notecard and just pass them on.  You never know how these words could change someone's life.

Be a Barnabas!  Encourage someone today!