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
I never realized Barnabas’ name was really Joseph. I am blessed in my life with several “Barnabas”-type friends. I’ve actually referred to one or two as my personal “Barnabas” because of the special way each has of bringing encouragement when I need it most.
That must be why the apostles gave Barnabas a new name. Because he practiced encouraging them, they gave him the name that means “Son of Encouragement” and it stuck.
At first reading, I didn’t understand why the author chose this particular context to specifically tell us what his name means. What does selling a field and sharing the proceeds have to do with being an encourager? After I thought about it for awhile, I decided it actually means a lot.
We usually think of encouragement as being done with words of affirmation. (Or maybe, that’s just me and my own particular love language.) But there are other ways to encourage—in fact, each of the love languages* (words of affirmation, meaningful touch, gifts, acts of service, and quality time) all are ways to bring encouragement to another.
In this instance Barnabas gave his land and the money it brought. As we read on in the book of Acts, we will see Barnabas being an encourager in other areas, as well. He made an investment of time (in partnership with Paul) with the Church at Antioch to encourage them in their faith. Later, we will see him use words to stick up for John Mark.
Each instance of being an encourager also involved a sacrifice. As we encourage others, we give away something: time, words, money, etc.
To be a woman who lives sent is to be a woman who encourages. And to encourage another requires an element of sacrifice.
Lord, forgive me for selfishly holding on to my words, my stuff, my time. Even the pronoun “my” makes me culpable! Enable me to give away something today that encourages others.
Live Sent Action Point: Look over the five types of love languages. Ask God to give you an opportunity to encourage someone today by giving in one of these five areas.
*The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman
