“How may I help you?” has been my life’s direction for as long as I can remember. For some reason, when I encounter someone, the first thought that pops into my head is, “I wonder what I can do to help this person?”
I recently joked with my seminary professor that I sometimes wish I had business cards to leave with people so that we could follow up with each other, but what would they say – “friend”? He suggested that I may be like Barnabas, the “son of encouragement.”
Hmm. That got me thinking.
Maybe I am like Barnabas.
I’ve found that most people need encouragement. Hope. Validation. The knowledge that they are loved and appreciated.
Often, that means just lending an ear. Perhaps offering a friendly suggestion or insights from my own life that may lead to a course correction. Maybe answers to vexing questions about the Bible or about life.
So, if you’ve found my card, or if I’ve given it to you, that means I’m here to offer encouragement.
By the way, the phrase “Son of Encouragement” comes from the book of Acts.
And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,
Acts 4:36
When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
Acts 11: 23-25
Barnabas earned the nickname “Son of Encouragement” because he was a guy who encouraged others and “was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.”
That’s what I strive to be.