Joseph, also named by the Apostles Barnabas (which is translated "son of encouragement") – Acts 4:36

encourage (some definitions) – 1. To inspire with hope, courage, spirit or confidence.  2. To give support or help to; foster.  3. To stimulate; spur.  4. To talk or behave in a way that gives someone confidence to do something.

Do you ever stop to consider the number of times you have been blessed by someone’s encouragement?  That happened to me as I spent time writing this reflection.  As I considered what to write, I kept finding myself drawn to Joseph, the one the early Apostles named Barnabas – son of encouragement.  At first I thought I would provide a few current examples of instances I experienced or witnessed in which people of Christ provided encouragement to others.  However, I quickly became overwhelmed (and humbled) by the enormous number and variety of encouraging acts.  What a joyful reminder that the Spirit indeed continues to work in and through the church consistently, persistently, and sometimes miraculously!

I have realized how important it is to have a Barnabas or Batnabas (“daughter of encouragement”) for a parish or congregation to thrive.  For the early church this was especially true.  The embodiment of encouragement, Barnabas featured prominently in the church’s growth in Jerusalem and its spread.  Even as we read how Barnabas donated the proceeds from the sale of land, it appears the early church benefited more from his non-monetary contributions. 

Imagine with me for a moment the ways Barnabas may have inspired the small but growing group of believers who were frequently persecuted.  I have no doubt that Barnabas warmly greeted each new face, especially the anxious ones worried that past unrighteous behaviors made them unworthy and unwelcome.  Barnabas may have shared that everyone has sinned and falls short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23), and then reminded them that our loving God is ready to forgive (Psalm 85:6).  To some he may have told how much the Father wanted His prodigal children to come home, while to others he emphasized the healing, forgiveness and peace Jesus offers – in essence, lifting up the Son of Man as Moses had raised the serpent. 

Secure in the belief that the Holy Spirit had a reason for bringing someone to the body, Barnabas defined each person not by the bad deeds of their past but as a sister or brother in Christ for whom God has a purpose.  (Look at Acts 9:26-27, where Barnabas convinced the frightened disciples to accept the converted Saul/Paul, the man once known for zealously persecuting the faithful, into the church.)  Barnabas would have known that encouragement was not a one-time thing, but something that individuals would need anew as opportunities and obstacles emerged.  He would have known that encouragement can involve a longer commitment of coming alongside those who suffer long-term illnesses or deep-seated grief.  It may even require pushing an individual to take responsibility for damage caused by their sinful actions, and then being present for them as they face the consequences of those actions, all the while reminding them that the Son of Man loves them deeply.

Loving God, thank you for the many people you have used to encourage us and others.  Thank you for working through us to provide encouragement to others.  Strengthen our faith and inspire us so that all we say and do glorifies your name.  Amen.