Christ commands us to love people. Encouragement is the key. Everyone needs encouragement—some more than others. Who can you encourage?

 

Acts 4:32–37 (NIV)

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

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.

Barnabas breaks onto the scene with a noteworthy act of generosity. His nickname (which means “son of encouragement”) is well-deserved. In Chapter 9, Barnabas trusts Paul after his conversion on the road to Damascus and thus becomes Paul’s right-hand man.

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