If we do what helps [others],
we will build them up in the Lord.
—Romans 15:2
You know him, but not by his real name; you know him by his nickname. His real name was Joseph; his nickname was Barnabas. That was the name given to him by the apostles. He was such an encourager the apostles decided to call him Barnabas, which means “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36).
Barnabas never wrote a word that appears in the Bible, but his encouragement launched the ministries of two men whose words did.
The encouragement of Barnabas brought Paul from obscurity to prominence—and Paul wrote more New Testament letters than anyone. Also, the encouragement of Barnabas rescued John Mark from humiliation—and he wrote the Gospel of Mark. Paul and Mark combined wrote half of the New Testament. Thanks, Barnabas.
If you were nicknamed for what best describes you, what would that name be?
Encouragement is a small investment
that pays big dividends.