Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas (which is translated Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Acts 4:36-37

Those of you who read my blog regularly know that twice I posted recently about my son Eli helping me to shovel after snowstorms. Having him help me was a huge source of encouragement.

Well, we had another snowstorm. The morning following, I had a Zoom meeting and after that was done I found out that Eli had taken it upon himself to shovel. In fact, he had shovelled the driveway all by himself.

Eli is most definitely a Barnabas. Barnabas means, as it says above, “son of encouragement.”

Truthfully, I needed a Barnabas. Because lately I have felt more discouraged. Not by anything in particular. More by life in general. Eli’s initiative in shovelling definitely encouraged me.

So be grateful and joyful when someone encourages you. We can all find ourselves down and discouraged. If someone comes along to brighten your day, even for a moment, enjoy it and be thankful. Who has been a Barnabas to you recently? Or maybe you know someone else who needs encouragement. How can you encourage them? Can you be someone else’s Barnabas?

Because we all get discouraged. We all get down and weary. For that reason, everyone needs a Barnabas.