Being Barnabas, The Great Encourager

As we watch this unusual season unfold, we couldn’t help but be grateful for the reminder to show kindness and lift each other up.

One biblical example of this is the Apostle Joseph.

The Apostle Joseph was known for the way he loved and encouraged others. So much so, that his fellow apostles granted him the nickname of Barnabas, meaning “son of encouragement” or “son of exhortation.”

God used Barnabas to arm and lift up others many times throughout scripture.

“The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith and considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.” -Acts 11:22-24

Barnabas was full of faith and willing to go out on a limb for those who needed his support and friendship. He lived up to his name by leading a life that gave back to others time and time again.

And God can use you, too.

Encouragement, especially now, has the power to reorient us towards faith.

It can make a huge difference in someone’s life, especially if they are feeling discouraged or struggling.

Encouragement, whether it be words or actions, can change the course of someone’s life:

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. -1 Thessalonians 5:11

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. -Hebrews 3:13

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. -Hebrews 10:24-25

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.-Proverbs 12:25

Camp Barnabas gets its name from this passage in scripture. We want to always be a place of encouragement and embrace the spirit of Barnabas. We hope that you find ways to be encouraged and encourage others through this time!

To hear more about the power of words and encouragement, watch this sermon: https://youtu.be/tCRFGcCfRCU

We are lifting up and praying for our Barnabas family (campers, missionaries, staff, Med Team) during this time. If you have a specific prayer request, you can send it to info@campbarnabas.org and we will continue to lift you up in prayer!