“…Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement),
sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.”
Acts 4:36a-37
Barnabas is one of what I like to call “B” characters in the Bible. (His name even begins with B!) You rarely see him in the limelight, but the few occurrences display a life of great character, commitment to Christ, and selflessness. His name even means encouragement – so appropriate, as his life certainly encourages and challenges us.
In this passage, we note that Barnabas was an encouragement to the body of believers by sacrificially giving something of value to bless others. Acts 4:32 introduces a discussion of unity: “All the believers were one in heart and mind.” The beliefs that we hold in our hearts and minds should work their way out into actions and attitudes that change our behavior and affect our relationships. Clearly, that was the case with Barnabas. He not only embraced a sense of unity with the body of Christ in his heart and mind, but he allowed those beliefs to influence his behavior.
It is one thing for us to say we love others and quite another to live that love out loud. Perhaps the biggest take away for us from this passage is that encouraging others requires an element of sacrifice.
God what do you want me to sacrifice today – time, treasure, talent? Enable me, O God, to see that I am a steward, not an owner, of my bank account, my calendar, and the spiritual gifts You have provided. Who do you want me to bless today with these gifts? Encourage me, as I am blessed to encourage others.
