Be Someone’s Barnabas

“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.” Acts 11:23-24, NIV.

The above scriptures describe Barnabas perfectly; he was “the encourager,” and it highlights his gift of building others up.

When I think about discipleship, I picture Barnabas and John Mark. Paul and Barnabas invited the young John Mark to travel with them on a missionary journey—an incredible opportunity to grow and serve. But ministry quickly proved harder than Mark expected, and he turned back for home.

Barnabas could have given up on him. Instead, he chose to see past the failure and believe in the call God had placed on Mark’s life. Barnabas was so committed to giving Mark another chance that he even parted ways with his close friend Paul to make it happen.

I understand Mark’s story. As a teenager I wandered away from God, and I’m forever grateful for the “Barnabases” who looked beyond my rough edges and told me, “I believe in you.” Their words of encouragement breathed life into me when I felt empty and unworthy.

Because Barnabas believed in John Mark, the young man who once quit became a trusted servant of the church and the author of the Gospel of Mark. One person’s encouragement helped shape a legacy.

You can be Someone’s Barnabas

Mentoring doesn’t always happen on a stage or behind a pulpit. It happens in small, ordinary moments:

    •    A parent comforting a teen after a disappointment.

    •    A teacher listening to a student whose home life is falling apart.

    •    A pastor quietly praying at a hospital bedside.

    •    A youth worker sharing fries and a soda while helping a senior dream about the future.

I’ve been the one who needed comfort and the one who offered it. Both roles have taught me that simple, faithful investment in someone’s life can echo for eternity.

Let’s choose to believe in people before they fully believe in themselves. Let’s speak life and call out the gifts God has placed within them.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for every person in my life who invested in me like Barnabas did John Mark. I’m thankful for those who encouraged me when I was discouraged. Bless them for their faithfulness. Now give me eyes to see the hidden potential in others and the courage to walk with them, even when the path is messy. Make me a mentor who inspires hope and calls forth Your purpose in someone’s life. In Jesus name, amen.