Radiating Enthusiasm

- Pastor Jason Briesacher

“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.” – Romans 15:5 (NLT)

Encouraging people are enthusiastic. Have you met someone like that? They are like human golden retrievers; their love for life is infectious! Even during difficult times, their words are positive and hopeful. For me, it’s my friend Kevin. No matter what happened to him, and there were many difficult circumstances, his demeanor and attitude reflected His hope in what God could do. Because of his hope, he always found a way to encourage enthusiastically!

There isn’t a lot that we know about Barnabas. We know his real name was Joseph, and he was a Levite. He gave what he had to the early church, was the first follower of Jesus who believed in Paul’s conversion to faith, and was “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit, and of faith.”

When Joseph (Barnabas) taught, he was encouraging, earning him the nickname Barnabas, which means “Son of Encouragement.” His encouraging nature caused him to believe in people when others were ready to give up. Paul and Barnabas were sharply divided because of a young man named John Mark, the author of the book of Mark.

John Mark left Paul and Barnabas to return home during their missionary journey because it was difficult. Paul felt it was a defect in his character, but Barnabas, the encourager, thought there was more to him and wanted to give him a second chance at redemption. Paul refused, Barnabas stood firm, and the two argued sharply and ended their ministry together.

Barnabas, a leader in the early church, could have made problems for Paul, whom he brought to the apostles! But he didn’t. He blessed Paul and Silas as they went to Syria and Cilicia. Barnabas took John Mark, and they went to Cyprus together.

But something happened as Barnabas mentored John Mark. His encouragement helped Mark grow, change, and become an amazing young man. Mark ended up close to Peter and used his stories to help form the Book of Mark. Even Paul changed his mind about Mark. At the end of Paul’s life, from a jail cell, he wrote to Timothy, “Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him to me, for he is very useful to me for ministry.”

When enthusiastic encouragement radiates out of you, it creates opportunities with others. When we’re negative, people shut down. When we’re encouraging, doors open, and people listen. Make a difference today—radiate enthusiastic encouragement.

Make a Difference:

Encourage three different people today: a family member or friend, a coworker or classmate, and someone who has caused division in your life—radiate enthusiastic encouragement.

As You Read:

The ending of Acts is written as if the story of Jesus will continue through you. This means they were encouraging you to continue. Romans, Colossians, Philemon, and Ephesians are books of encouragement in your walk with Jesus Christ.