Acts - Week 6 / Wednesday

Today's Reading: Acts 11:19-24

"A Man you Want as your Friend"

The news about salvation continued to be told by the believers. As a result, great numbers of people believed creating new churches throughout the region. The leaders in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch to see what was happening and what they needed.

We've met Barnabas before, his name means "Son of Encouragement" and he was one of the first to extend fellowship to Saul. Now we find Barnabas sent to "check out" the new believers.

Things that are newly created often take time to perfect. Inexperience or lack of understanding are part of anything new. For instance, it has taken me three days of writing this blog to realize that the "Title" space was to be the week and date of the blog, not my clever "Title" for that days thought. I would go back and change the titles, but I can't remember how to edit the blog!!

New things need guidance and encouragement. Barnabas arrived in Antioch, observed what was going on, was glad at what he saw and encouraged them.

Would the people in your home or at work describe you as glad or possessing joy? Do you guide and encourage those around you or do you only see what needs to be improved without offering praise?

Some of you have an encouraging nature, like Barnabas, this is what you do. Keep on believing the best of others because someone needs your words of encouragement today. Others of you struggle to encourage anyone including yourself. Remember, no one or no situation is perfect. However, more improvement and growth is done through encouragement than through criticism.

Proverbs 17:22 "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

As we go through our day let's be good medicine to those around us rather than spirit crushers.

Tomorrow: Who looked for you?