Encouragement: The Spiritual Discipline That Builds People Up
Opening Scripture – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV):
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Encouragement is one of the most underrated spiritual disciplines in the Christian life. We often associate it with compliments or kind words—but biblically, it runs much deeper. Encouragement is a ministry. It’s a way we reflect the heart of God.
Encouragement Changes Everything
Think about a time someone encouraged you when you felt discouraged, exhausted, or even unseen. Just a few words can shift your mindset, give you strength, and remind you of your purpose. That’s how God uses encouragement—He places people in our lives to speak truth, courage, and hope into us.
Encouragement is more than positivity—it’s strength spoken into someone’s spirit.
Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us:
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Encouragement pushes people forward. It turns their eyes from the problem to the promise. It’s a spiritual discipline that keeps us faithful.
Barnabas: A Life of Lifting Others
Barnabas is one of the most influential yet underrated leaders in the early church. His real name was Joseph, but the apostles gave him a nickname—Barnabas, meaning “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36). And he lived up to it.
1. He Advocated for the Unseen (Acts 9:26–27)
After Paul’s conversion, many in the early church didn’t trust him. Understandably—Paul (then Saul) had been hunting Christians. When he tried to join the disciples, everyone was afraid.
But Barnabas believed in him. He took a relational risk, saw past Paul’s past, and saw his potential. That act of encouragement gave Paul a platform.
Encouragement often looks like giving someone a seat at the table when no one else will.
2. He Believed in Second Chances (Acts 15:36–40)
Barnabas and Paul disagreed sharply over John Mark, who had previously abandoned a mission trip. Paul wanted to move on—but Barnabas still believed in him.
That disagreement led them to part ways. But Barnabas took Mark and invested in him. Years later, Paul himself would write:
“Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:11)
Barnabas’ encouragement pulled Mark out of failure and back into purpose.
3. He Encouraged Through Generosity (Acts 4:36–37)
When we first meet Barnabas, he’s not giving a speech—he’s giving a gift. He sold a field and laid the money at the apostles’ feet to support the church.
Encouragement isn’t just about words—it’s about actions that lift others up.
The Quiet Legacy of Barnabas
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He gave Paul a platform.
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He gave Mark a second chance.
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He gave the church his resources.
After Acts 15, Barnabas fades from the storyline—but his legacy lives on in the people he encouraged.
Jesus: The Ultimate Encourager
Jesus didn’t flatter people—He spoke the truth and reminded them of who they were in God’s eyes.
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To Peter: “You are the rock, and on this rock I will build my church.”
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To the woman caught in adultery: “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”
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To the thief on the cross: “Today, you will be with me in paradise.”
Jesus encouraged with truth, grace, and vision. He called people higher, even when they had fallen low.
The Challenge: Be a Barnabas. Be Like Jesus.
Look around—who needs a word of hope today? A text, a call, a prayer, or a simple reminder that God sees them?
Encouragement doesn’t cost us anything, but it can be everything to someone else.
Prayer
“Father, thank You for encouraging us daily through Your Word and Your Spirit. Help us be a source of hope and strength to those around us. Make us aware of who needs a word today. Let our words reflect Your heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Reflection Questions
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Who are you called to advocate for, even if others have written them off?
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Is there someone in your life who needs a second chance?
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Can you encourage someone today not just with words, but with your time, resources, or belief?
Together in Christ,
Heath Ruchotzke
Director of Philanthropy