There was a man in the New Testament church who was nicknamed, “The Encourager”. Barnabas! He encouraged the church at Antioch which was reaching the Greeks, not the “in thing” for the church in Jerusalem. The converted persecutor, Saul of Tarsus, was not trusted. Barnabas went looking for him and made him a partner in ministry. God used Barnabas and his encouraging words to shape Paul. The world was forever changed by one man who was an encourager.
“They sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.” Acts 11:22b-24 (NIV)
