Title [9.5] I miss people like this
Contents. (Acts 4:36-37)
1. You must consider the needs of others before your own.(:37)
The Jerusalem Church achieved remarkable growth in a short period of time through the work of the Holy Spirit. But the Jerusalem church was a church where the poor gathered after hearing the gospel. Therefore, a problem arose in the church as well, and it was a question of what and how the church should do for the poor in the church. In response to this problem, Barnabas himself, although he was not rich, sold his field and gave it to the church.
A life of encouragement in the truest sense is not a matter of possessions, it is a matter of attitude. how much did you have
Through the Bible, God is saying that the awareness and recognition of that possession is more important. The reason God has given us material things is that he has given us to use them not only for ourselves, but also for others. This is how to spend money well. I pray in the name of the Lord that you will become wonderful rich people who are valuable and use their material well like Barnabas.
2. Be a trustworthy person.
Another lesson from Barnabas' way of life is that you have to trust people to live a life of encouragement. Barnabas believed Saul, the persecutor whom no one believed in, as the changed Paul in Damascus, and gave encouraging words and endorsed him at the Jerusalem church.
A wise person always says things that save people. A person of faith must say the same words that give courage and hope. On the other hand, immature people can't control their words, so they say things that hurt and inflict pain and frustration. That's why the Bible teaches us to be quick to listen and slow to speak.
People flock to people who give a lot of praise and encouragement. On the other hand, a person who only reveals the faults and shortcomings of others with negative views and critical thoughts will turn away from them no matter how hard they try to evangelize. I hope that you, like Barnabas, will say many words of trust with praise and encouragement.
3. Be a person with a broad chest.
In Acts 11, Barnabas invites Paul to Antioch, who had been preparing for three years in prayer alone because no one believed. At that time, the church in Antioch was overflowing with great lay leaders, so the church could grow without Paul. Nevertheless, Barnabas thought of Paul's calling and gifts and God's plan and purpose for Paul, so he called Paul to give him a chance.
A person of encouragement doesn't care if that person is beneficial to me when I look at others. Rather, I worry about what kind of benefit I will give to that person. When the world looks at people, they always look at it as a means, not as an end. But keep in mind that in our day God is looking for people who see people as ends, not means.
Dear saints, The church needs people of encouragement to lift those who have fallen. David and Moses, who were after God's heart, were people who fell down before being used. Peter, the disciple of Jesus, also had a fall experience. The Bible says today that we are all trespassers. So everyone needs encouragement.
It's time to miss someone who encourages you like this. I bless you in the name of the Lord that you will be this person of encouragement.