Faith Baptist Church

How to Rub People the Right Way

Acts 4:34-37

34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

There is something that we all need, encouragement. It has been said that for every word of encouragement we hear 10 words of discouragement.  Let’s look at the life of someone who made the “Encouragers Hall Of Fame” and learn how to rub people the right way.

Bring blessings to others (Acts 4:36)

And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus

The sick do not need our money, they need our concern

They need our compassion

They need our help

The lonely do not need our money, they need our time

They need a few minutes of our time

The hurting do not need our money, they need our shoulder

They need a hug

They need a word of hope

Encouragement is a selfless act

An Encourager is a selfless person

An Encourager desires to bring blessings to others

Break barriers for others (Acts 9:26-27)

26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

Paul tried time after time to gain acceptance

He had just converted to Christianity and changed his name from Saul to Paul

He was widely feared by Christians because of his murderous past

“but Barnabas…”

Took Paul in and brought him to the Apostles

Barnabas “talked Paul up”

Barnabas never once brought up Paul’s past

Barnabas didn’t look at what Paul had done, but what Paul could do

Build bridges for others (Acts 15:36-41)

36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement about John Mark

Paul was done with Mark and his problems

Barnabas believed in Mark so much, he left Paul to help Mark

Mark needed someone to believe in him

He needed a bridge builder to get him back with Paul

If Barnabas had given up on Mark

We would be missing a great missionary

We would be missing books of the Bible

Application, just for us

What do we need to do to be an encouragement?

Who around us needs encouraging?

How can God work through us to make us an encourager?