Go Into All the WorldSample

Make Room for Others

Ever looked at someone with a complicated past and thought, “There’s no way God can use them”? Barnabas didn’t see limits, he saw potential.

When Saul (later called Paul) had his dramatic conversion, many in the early church were terrified. After all, he had literally hunted down Christians. Most people kept their distance.

But Barnabas, his name means “son of encouragement”, chose to see what God was doing in Saul instead of just seeing what Saul had done. He stood by him, vouched for him, and helped the early church embrace this unlikely leader.

That one act of belief changed everything. Paul would go on to write most of the New Testament and plant churches across the Roman Empire. Imagine if Barnabas hadn’t stood in the gap.

Encouragement is more than kind words, it’s making space for people to step into what God’s calling them to do. That might look like giving someone a second chance, speaking life over their future, or simply being present when others walk away.

You don’t have to have all the answers. You just need to have an open heart and a willingness to see people through God’s eyes.

Think of someone who needs a second chance or a word of encouragement today. Reach out to them, send a message, pray with them, or just listen. You might be the Barnabas they need.