A Life of Encouragement

February 16, 2026

ACTS 11:24a NKJV – (24) For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.

Everyone needs encouragement! Some people are better at giving it than others! Needless to say that it is not the strongest gift for many, but it’s good to have areas for growth! One person who was particularly good at it was Joseph in the Bible. The first couple of mentions of him in the New Testament tell us plenty about him:

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.

The apostles called Joseph Barnabas, which meant son of encouragement. This is a strong indication of what he was like. Why give him such a name unless it really summed him up? Barnabas encouraged Paul by believing in him when no one else did after his conversion, actively vouching for his genuineness to the Jerusalem church, bringing him to Antioch to minister, and partnering with him on his first missionary journey, essentially acting as a mentor and providing opportunities for Paul to grow in his faith and leadership abilities. This is significant because Paul was previously known for persecuting Christians, making Barnabas’ trust in him particularly impactful.

The Bible reminds us that the same tongue that blesses will curse a person. Be positive. They may not do it as you would like, but they are doing their best. Take the time to encourage someone. People need it.

SCRIPTURE READING

PSALM 112:5

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

If you don’t have nothing good to say good, don’t say nothing at all. Close your mind of that negative thought.