If I were to single out an appropriate and necessary expression of agape love available for all people today it must surely come through a life of encouragement. The trickle of a stress carrying gentle stream gathers pace when poverty, health, fear and phobias, relational tensions and more gain pace and are left unchecked and become overbearing. Today, perhaps more than ever we need to be praying for a people who know how to truly come alongside others with life-changing encouragement.
PARAKALEO
But it is vital that we understand what imparting encouragement involves. In the New Testament the word, ‘encourage’ comes from the original language, ‘parakaleo’ which means ‘to come alongside, or ‘to call to one’s side.’ Today, we often limit encouragement to a brief encounter offering a quick pep talk. But, when someone is grieving, struggling or under pressure we are called to enter their space and provide [parakaleo] comfort, strengthening, urging or exhorting, as a meaningful expression of encouragement.
BARNABAS
There is a character we read about in Acts who puts flesh and blood, bone and muscle on what encouragement is really all about. This man, Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus enters the narrative with generosity by selling a field he owned and then brought the money and placed it at the apostles feet. The apostles called this man, Barnabas which means Son of Encouragement. Encouragement has the seeds of generosity at its core.
SUPPORT
A second quality of encouragement in Barnabas is seen as Saul (who later became Paul) was visiting Jerusalem. He wanted to join the disciples but they feared him because they heard about his past life. They did not really believe Saul was a disciple of Jesus. Again, a bold, generous and courageous Barnabas met with Saul and took him to the disciples. He explained to these fearful men that Saul had seen the Lord and heard his voice. He told them how Saul had proclaimed Jesus fearlessly in Damascus. Barnabas certainly lived up to his name, Son of Encouragement.
FULL OF THE SPIRIT AND FAITH
The Jerusalem Church sent trusted Barnabas to Antioch because news of Greeks turning to the Lord came to them. Upon his arrival he witnessed the grace of God at work and “he was glad and encouraged them to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.” The narrative then describes Barnabas in these terms. “He was a good man, full of the holy Spirit and faith.” He once again gives himself to travel to Tarsus to look for Saul. Upon finding Saul they both return to Antioch for a whole year to teach the new converts.
While the prophets and teachers were worshipping and fasting in Antioch. The holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
We ask you Lord to ‘set apart’ men and women who will comfort the brokenhearted. Strengthen the weak or overwhelmed. Exhort or urge our brothers/sisters to keep going or walk faithfully. To warn those who are veering off track. We trust you Lord for a fresh and anointed quality of servanthood ministry to become a reality in your Church.
May it be so, Lord.