To Encourage You

Nicknames are interesting things.  So often we know people not by the name their parents gave them at birth, but by some other name that became attached to them in one way or another.  Sometimes it’s just an abbreviation (e.g., Abby instead of Abigail in my daughter’s case).  At other times it’s another person or a characteristic that reminds us of that person.  Sometimes nicknames can be derogatory, something that’s not used around a person but said to others about that person (like “Dumbo” for someone with big ears). At other times they are complementary.  Such is the case with the person Joseph about whom we read in the verse above. Here is a person that is usually not referred to by his given name, but by a nickname that was synonymous with his wonderful character. 

Isn’t it striking that the apostles, those who had walked with and been taught by Jesus personally, should give Joseph the nickname Barnabus, which meant “son of encouragement?”  What an awesome name to be given to someone because that person sowed encouragement wherever he went. You probably know someone like that – a person whose face shines with the love of Christ, and someone by whom you are encouraged whenever you’re around them.  It’s a person who carries with them the very “aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved” (2 Corinthians 2:15). Of course, you probably know other people who are just the opposite – often downcast, angry, or complaining about one thing or another.

So, which type of person would you rather be around? The answer is pretty obvious to anyone.  But then, another question: Which type of person are we?  If someone were to give us a nickname, would it more likely be something like “son of encouragement” or “son of discouragement.”  Are we someone others are likely to want to be around for the positive and encouraging attitudes and words we exude, or are we someone others want to avoid because to be in our presence can ruin an otherwise good day? 

May God help us who are believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit, otherwise known as “The Comforter,” for the great encouragement He always brings. Surely that is who Joseph, who everyone knew as Barnabus, was filled with as he spread comfort and encouragement wherever he went.