Bring Joy to Others by Encouraging

          Have you had your Joy Juice today?  Take action! Jump in there and see how you can share the joy of encouragement with others!

            Barnabas is a great example for us as Christians.  He was such a motivator because of his sincere love for God and his fellow man. As described by David Jeremiah, “Barnabas was good in the sense that he was generous. He was kind. He wasn’t passive about his goodness either; his virtue was active.  He proactively involved himself in the lives of others.” The Joy of Encouragement by David Jeremiah

             David Jeremiah points out three qualities that are evident in the life of an encourager like Barnabas.

  

1.   Encouragers perform while others pretend! (Do you see a need and do something about it because of your love for the Lord….or do you act out of obligation, to ‘look good’?)

      2.      Encouragers see potential where others see problems. (Are you quick to help someone who is “down” or do you avoid them for fear of what problems it might mean for you?)

     3.      Encouragers are more concerned with people, not prominence. (Do you care more about the well-being of others or do you desire the spotlight?)

Acts 11:23 says of  Barnabas: “When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.”

             May we all seek to be like Barnabas as we perform with love, keep our focus on the potential rather than the possible problems and sincerely care about people as we share the joy of the Lord.