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[Barnabas] encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
This caring outreach reminds me of Barnabas heart for the spiritual youngsters in the ancient city of Antioch (Acts 11:2224). Barnabas was famous for his ability to inspire people. Known as a good man, full of faith and the Holy Spirit, he prompted the new believers to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts (v. 23). I imagine he spent time with those he wanted to help, saying things like: Keep praying. Trust the Lord. Stay close to God when life is hard.
New believers, like children, need loads of encouragement. Theyre full of potential. Theyre discovering what theyre good at. They may not fully realize what God wants to do in and through them, and often the enemy works overtime to prevent their faith from flourishing.
Those of us whove walked with Jesus for a while understand how hard living for Jesus can be. May all of us be able to give and receive encouragement as Gods Spirit guides us and reminds us of spiritual truth.
How has God encouraged you in the past? How might God want to work through you to inspire someone?
Heavenly Father, give me someone to encourage today. Show me what to say and how to meet this persons needs so that Youll be glorified.