Reset Password
Reset Link Sent
| Blogs > marbella3 > The Word For Life. |
|
THE GIFT OF ENCOURAGEMENT Read: Acts 4:32–37; 9:26–27 Bible in a Year: Daniel 11–12; Jude Joseph . . . whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “ of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:36–37 An old Merle Haggard song, “If We Make It Through December,” tells the story of a man laid off from his factory job with no money to buy Christmas gifts for his little girl. Although December is supposed to be a happy time of year, his life seems dark and cold. Discouragement is not unique to December, but it can be amplified then. Our expectations may be higher, our sadness deeper. A little encouragement can go a long way. Thank You, Lord, for the gift of encouragement. May we encourage others as they have encouraged us. Joseph, a man from Cyprus, was among the early followers of Jesus. The apostles called him Barnabas, which means “ of encouragement.” We meet him in Acts 4:36–37 when he sold a piece of property and donated the money to help other believers in need. Later, we read that the disciples were afraid of Saul (Acts 9:26). “But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles” (v. 27). Saul, later called Paul, had formerly been trying to kill the believers, but Barnabas defended him as a man transformed by Christ. All around us are people longing to be encouraged. A timely word, a phone call, or a prayer can bolster their faith in Jesus. The generosity and support of Barnabas demonstrate what it means to be a or of encouragement. That may be the greatest gift we can give to others this Christmas. Thank You, Lord, for the gift of encouragement. May we encourage others as they have encouraged us. Encouragement may be the greatest gift we give this Christmas. 
|
|||
|
This is SO true, and sometimes just encouraging someone else gives us that lift too. Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.
|
×
×