And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark. Acts 12:25 (ESV)
Encouragement Lessons:
- Encouragement sometimes requires courage to take a risk.
- Encouragement also requires patience and perseverance.
- Encouragement requires interruptions.
- Encouragement requires investment.
36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord and see how they are.” 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Acts 15:36-41 (ESV)
Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 2 Timothy 4:11
Encouragers Who Invest, Need:
- Pure motives
- To have difficult conversations
- To be a coach, not a controller
- To avoid boring and unproductive encounters
- To grow trust
- To repeat our important messages
- Add “ing” to our roles
- To serve
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 (ESV)
Is God is calling you to be an encourager to someone today… this week?
Bible Verses that Encourage: https://www.gotquestions.org/encouraging-Bible-verses.html