Sons and Daughters of Encouragement (June 25, 2024)

“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

We’ve all experienced times of discouragement when our spirits were lifted by a warm smile, a word of reassurance, a pat on the back, or other thoughtful acts of kindness by other people. In order to pursue a Christian lifestyle that honors God in a pagan culture, encouragement is an absolute necessity. We all need cheerleaders—family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and others who offer affirmation and encouragement to press on when the roads of life become rocky and seem impassable. The Bible directs us to “exhort one another daily.” (Hebrews 3:13)

A shining biblical example is Barnabas, a leader among the early Christians who certainly lived up to his name that means “son of encouragement.” Described as “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” (Acts 11:24), Barnabas provided encouragement, comfort, and support to the apostles who faced stiff opposition and persecution in establishing the church. As a result of Barnabas’ encouragement, the apostle Paul, once an avid persecutor of Christians, was accepted by the church at Jerusalem and went on to become the greatest missionary who ever lived.

Encouragement is an expression of love that breeds hope! Through selfless acts of encouragement, Christians help each other through times of adversity and the testing of our faith. We are called to be sons and daughters of encouragement! In a world of discouragement, God is pleased when we uplift, inspire, and hearten one another. Encouraged by Barnabas, Paul passed the favor forward, writing to us: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29)

“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.”  (Proverbs 12:25)