Reimagine Encouragement Through the Life of BarnabasNäide

Taking Risks on People

Who in your life needs someone to believe in them? Perhaps it’s a person with a troubled past, someone who’s made big mistakes, or someone others have quietly written off. It’s easy to keep our distance from people like that, but Barnabas shows us a better way. Sometimes the most Christlike thing we can do is to take a risk on someone who desperately needs an advocate, even when it feels risky or unpopular.

After Saul’s dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, he arrived in Jerusalem with a serious credibility problem. This was the same man who had persecuted Christians—hunting them down, arresting them, even supporting their execution. Now he claimed to be one of them? It’s no surprise that the early believers were cautious. Some probably assumed it was a trap. That’s when Barnabas stepped in. While others kept their distance, Barnabas moved toward Saul. Then he put his own reputation on the line, personally bringing Saul to the apostles and testifying to the authenticity of his conversion and bold preaching.

That act of courage changed everything. Because of Barnabas, Saul was welcomed into the Jerusalem church. He was embraced, encouraged, and launched into the ministry that would change the world. One man’s willingness to take a risk opened the door for a lifetime of impact.

Barnabas chose to believe in Saul’s future instead of defining him by his past.

And that’s the challenge for us. Are we willing to do the same?

Every church, every community, has people who need someone to believe in them. They don’t need more judgment. They’ve already had enough of that. What they need is someone to advocate for them. To open a door. To speak a word of hope. To give them a chance.

This doesn’t mean we ignore wisdom or discernment, but if all we ever do is play it safe, we may miss out on helping someone become who God is calling them to be. Our encouragement might be the turning point they need to believe not only in themselves, but in the grace and calling of God.

Encouragement isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it takes courage. It requires stepping forward when others step back, offering trust before it’s been earned, and extending grace before it’s guaranteed to be appreciated. But when we assume those risks for the right people, the ripple effects can be world-changing.

Reflection Questions:

1. When has someone taken a risk on you—believing in your potential despite your past mistakes or current struggles?
2. Who in your life might need an advocate—someone willing to believe in them, give them a chance, or speak up on their behalf?

Prayer:
Lord, give me Barnabas’s heart to see potential in people and the courage to take risks on those who need an advocate. Help me extend the grace I’ve received from Jesus. I pray in His name. Amen.