Becoming Encouragers: Embracing Unity and Generosity
Summary
In a world marked by division and polarization, the call is to become peacemakers and encouragers, following the example of Barnabas from the New Testament. Barnabas, whose name means “son of encouragement,” played a pivotal role in the early church by building unity among believers, especially when tensions threatened to divide them. His life demonstrates that encouragement is not just about being nice, but about sacrificial love, generosity, and a willingness to see and call out the best in others.
Barnabas’s generosity is seen when he sold his field and gave the proceeds to the apostles, trusting them to use it for the good of the church. This act was not about recognition or control, but about meeting needs and building up the people of God. True generosity goes beyond mere obedience; it is a Spirit-led response to the needs around us, reflecting a heart that asks, “How can I bless others today?”
Building relationships is another hallmark of a Barnabas. When Saul (Paul) was a new believer, shunned and feared by the church, Barnabas took the risk to listen to him, believe in his transformation, and introduce him to the apostles. This act of relational courage made all the difference, not just for Paul, but for the future of the church. It’s a reminder to reach out to those who are new, different, or on the margins, and to invest in relationships that draw people closer to Christ.
Barnabas was also a bridge-builder, reconciling those who were estranged and helping the church find unity in their shared mission. He was willing to speak the truth in love, not shying away from difficult conversations, but always seeking to bring people together for the sake of the gospel. In a culture quick to criticize and divide, the challenge is to be those who seek common ground and foster unity.
Finally, Barnabas looked for the best in others and called it out. He saw potential where others saw problems, and his words of blessing and encouragement helped people step into their God-given calling. The power of a spoken blessing can transform lives, as seen in the story of Mary Ann Byrd, whose life was changed by a teacher’s simple words of love and acceptance.
The invitation is to become encouragers—people who build up the church, invest in relationships, build bridges, and call out the best in others—so that God’s love and unity can shine in a divided world.
Key Takeaways
- Generosity as Spirit-Led Sacrifice: True generosity is not just about fulfilling an obligation, but about responding to the Spirit’s prompting to meet the needs of others. It means giving without strings attached, trusting God to use our gifts for His purposes, and prioritizing the well-being of the community over personal recognition or control. This kind of sacrificial love is what builds up the church and advances the mission of Christ. [21:10]
- Relational Courage and Inclusion: Building relationships, especially with those who are new, different, or even misunderstood, requires courage and humility. Barnabas risked his reputation to welcome Paul, listening to his story and advocating for him. When we step out of our comfort zones to include and encourage others, we become instruments of God’s grace, often unlocking destinies that would otherwise remain hidden. [27:54]
- Bridge-Building in Times of Division: In moments of conflict or misunderstanding, it is easy to criticize or withdraw. Yet, the call is to be reconcilers—those who listen to both sides, seek understanding, and help others find common ground. This peacemaking work is not passive; it requires intentional effort, truth-telling, and a commitment to unity for the sake of the gospel. [33:03]
- Calling Out the Best in Others: It is far easier to notice faults than to recognize potential. A Barnabas looks for the gifts, strengths, and possibilities in others and speaks them out, helping people see themselves as God sees them. This practice of blessing and encouragement can literally change the trajectory of someone’s life, as our words have the power to heal, inspire, and call forth greatness. [41:13]
- Guarding Unity Through Love and Truth: Maintaining unity in the body of Christ requires both love and truth. It’s not about avoiding disagreement, but about disagreeing without being disagreeable—speaking truth in love, refusing to gossip or criticize unnecessarily, and always seeking the good of others. When we bless instead of curse, and encourage instead of condemn, we become agents of healing and unity in a fractured world. [45:43]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Gratitude for Cooperative Ministry
[03:05] - The Challenge of Division in Culture and Church
[06:30] - The Example of Barnabas
[09:45] - The Spirit of Generosity
[13:20] - Moving Beyond Consumer Christianity
[17:38] - Building Up the Church
[21:10] - Generosity and Sacrificial Love
[23:00] - Shifting Our Attitude: Blessing Others
[26:18] - Building Relationships with New Believers
[27:54] - The Power of Relational Inclusion
[29:57] - Reaching Across Differences
[33:03] - Building Bridges and Peacemaking
[36:21] - Speaking the Truth in Love
[41:13] - Calling Out the Best in Others
[43:24] - The Power of Blessing
[44:49] - Prayer for Encouragers
[45:43] - Invitation and Final Challenge
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Becoming a Barnabas—Peacemakers and Encouragers
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### Bible Reading
- Acts 4:36-37
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
- Acts 9:26-28
When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
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### Observation Questions
1. What did Barnabas do with his field, and what does this show about his character? (Acts 4:36-37)
2. When Saul (Paul) tried to join the disciples in Jerusalem, how did the church respond, and what did Barnabas do differently? (Acts 9:26-27)
3. According to the sermon, what was the early church struggling with that made Barnabas’s actions so important? [[17:38]]
4. What nickname did the apostles give Joseph, and why? [[17:38]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Barnabas was willing to give up his property and trust the apostles with the money, instead of keeping control over how it was used? [[21:10]]
2. What risks did Barnabas take by befriending Saul, and what might have motivated him to do so? [[27:54]]
3. The sermon says Barnabas was a “bridge-builder” and a “peacemaker.” What does it mean to be a bridge-builder in a divided community or church? [[33:03]]
4. Why is it sometimes hard to see the best in others, and how did Barnabas’s attitude toward Paul differ from the other apostles? [[41:13]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to ask, “How can I bless others today?” instead of “How will I be blessed?” What is one practical way you could shift your attitude this week to focus on blessing others at church or in your daily life? [[23:00]]
2. Barnabas reached out to someone who was new and misunderstood (Paul). Is there someone in your life, church, or community who is on the margins or feels left out? What specific step could you take to include or encourage them this week? [[27:54]]
3. Think about a time when you were tempted to criticize or withdraw during a conflict. How could you have acted as a peacemaker or bridge-builder instead? What would that look like in your current relationships? [[33:03]]
4. The sermon tells the story of Mary Ann Byrd, whose life was changed by a simple word of blessing. Who in your life needs to hear a word of encouragement or blessing from you? What will you say to them, and when? [[41:13]]
5. Barnabas gave generously, not for recognition, but to meet needs. Is there a need you see around you—at church, in your family, or in your neighborhood—that you could help meet, even if it costs you something? [[21:10]]
6. The pastor said, “It’s okay to disagree, but not to be disagreeable.” How do you handle disagreements in your family, church, or workplace? What is one way you could speak truth in love this week? [[36:21]]
7. Who has been a “Barnabas” in your life—someone who encouraged you or called out the best in you? How did their encouragement impact you, and how can you pass that on to someone else? [[44:49]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you become an encourager and a peacemaker like Barnabas, to see the best in others, and to build unity in your church and community.
Devotional
Day 1: Build Up the Church Through Generosity and Unity
A Barnabas is someone who builds up the church, not by focusing on buildings, but by investing in the people of God. True encouragement goes beyond mere words and is demonstrated through sacrificial giving and a spirit of generosity, as seen when Barnabas sold his field and laid the proceeds at the apostles’ feet. This act was not about recognition or control, but about trusting God and the church leadership to use the gift for the mission of sharing Jesus. When believers are united in heart and mind, as the early church was, God’s grace flows powerfully, needs are met, and the gospel is proclaimed with boldness. The call is to shift from a consumer mindset—asking “what will I get?”—to a servant mindset: “How can I bless someone today?” [21:10]
Acts 4:32-37 (ESV)
32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.
33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold
35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus,
37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Reflection: What is one tangible way you can use your resources—time, money, or talents—to bless someone in your church family this week?
Day 2: Build Relationships by Reaching Out to the New and the Different
Barnabas was willing to reach out and build relationships, especially with those who were new or different, like Saul after his conversion. When others were afraid or skeptical, Barnabas listened, believed the best, and welcomed Saul into the community. This kind of encouragement requires stepping out of comfort zones, seeing people as God sees them, and offering friendship and mentorship. Whether it’s a newcomer to church or someone who feels out of place, being a Barnabas means taking initiative to include, encourage, and walk alongside others in their journey of faith. [27:54]
Acts 9:26-27 (ESV)
26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple.
27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.
Reflection: Who is someone new or different in your church or community that you can intentionally reach out to and encourage this week?
Day 3: Build Bridges and Be a Peacemaker
A Barnabas builds bridges between people, acting as a reconciler and peacemaker in times of division or misunderstanding. When the early church was divided and the apostles were wary of Saul, Barnabas interceded, listened to both sides, and helped them find common ground. Being a peacemaker means being willing to have hard conversations, to listen deeply, and to help others see the evidence of God’s work in someone’s life. It’s about disagreeing without being disagreeable and keeping the unity of the church focused on the mission of Jesus. [33:03]
Matthew 5:9 (ESV)
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Reflection: Is there a relationship or situation where you can help build a bridge or bring peace? What step can you take today to move toward reconciliation?
Day 4: Call Out the Best in Others
A Barnabas looks for the best in people and calls it out, choosing to encourage rather than criticize. Instead of focusing on faults, Barnabas saw Paul’s potential and spoke up for him, helping him find acceptance and purpose in the church. Words of blessing and affirmation have the power to transform lives, as seen in the story of Mary Ann Byrd and her teacher’s life-changing encouragement. God calls us to use our words to bless, affirm, and draw out the gifts and calling in others, helping them see what God can do through them. [41:13]
Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear a word of encouragement or affirmation from you today? How can you specifically call out the good you see in them?
Day 5: Speak the Truth in Love and Guard Unity
Encouragement is not just about being nice; it also means speaking the truth in love and helping others grow, even when it’s hard. The church needs people who are willing to lovingly address issues, guard against division, and keep the focus on Christ’s mission. Like a good mechanic or doctor, we must not shy away from truth for fear of offending, but instead offer honest, grace-filled guidance that helps others flourish. In doing so, we protect the unity and health of the church and point others to Jesus. [36:21]
Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)
15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.
Reflection: Is there a difficult truth you need to share with someone, or a conversation you’ve been avoiding? How can you approach it with both honesty and love this week?
Quotes
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