https://odb.org/MY/2022/12/01/the-power-of-mutual-encouragement
One of the great things of the Kingdom of God is that each and every one of us has a part to play based on the gifts and talents uniquely given to us by God, to fulfil God’s plans and purposes for our lives, preplanned by God for us even before the creation of the world itself when we were all still in the spirit form.
Some of us could have spent years after we have known Christ living in the fullness of His glory and will, just doing what God had prepared for us. Yet there are many still searching for our “sweet spot” in His kingdom, the place where we know we will excel because that is what we were created for. We may serve in a variety of ways before discovering our true calling, based on the needs of our church and community.
One of the ways everyone of us can serve, however, is actually to be a Barnabas, an encourager. Paul encouraged the Jewish believers of Christ in Hebrews, who were under pressure to revert to Judaism. In Hebrews 3:13, Paul exhorted them to encourage one another daily, so that none of them will be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. And that is something everyone can do. Just encourage one another in the faith. Pat someone on the shoulder if you feel he or she is down. Pray and send a Word from Scripture to someone in need. Pray for someone in need. Don’t just forward multiple messages in WhatsApp, but write one yourself and give it to someone as the Lord prompts us. Say and speak positively about the goodness of God and what lies ahead in the future for us, our inheritance in Christ in the heavenly places, our place in the new heaven and earth, the new Holy City of Jerusalem, the mansion Christ has gone ahead to prepare for us and the treasures that we have stored there during our lifetime on earth. There are just so many great things to look forward to, and if we are suffering now here on earth, it can never compare to what we have ahead of us in glory. Paul said this before in Romans 8:18.
Be a Barnabas, my brothers and sisters in Christ and friends. No one hates an encourager. Instead, everyone will appreciate an encourager. Have a great day ahead!
Ronnie's Thoughts 