Take a moment and think of someone who encourages you.
Who lifts you up.
Who walks alongside you, with grace and compassion, humility and strength.
Someone who, full of the Holy Spirit and full of faith, speaks identity into you and reminds you of who you are!
Who doesn't tell you what you want to hear, but says the words you need to hear - words of wisdom and words of truth!
Who shows up and speaks up, pouring out his/her life to love you and champion you, guide and connect with you!
Someone who's very life is an example of Jesus to you!
Got that person?
Now take a few moments and do something
very specific to thank and honor them.
Give them a call. Write them a letter.
List out the powerful things they've done and said that have helped make you into who you are!
Remind them of how their lives are making a difference and how you've changed because of their encouragement!
Be specific! Be generous!
Honor the lovers, the leaders, the Barnabas', the examples of Jesus in your life!
Encouragement is powerful! It's life-changing!
The encouragement we receive is meant to take root and grow and be poured out on others!
So honor your encouragers today!
Honor the ones who have encouraged you - and then go out and do the same!
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
When [Saul] came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple.
But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.
So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
Acts 9:26-28
Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.
Acts 11:24
