In Acts 4 we meet a Christian named Joseph, but we rarely call him that — we know him better by what name the apostles gave him: Son of Encouragement or, translated for us, Barnabas.
We should each want to be a Barnabas, but we should notice what is recorded about him that is encouraging. We don’t see an emphasis on him making people feel warm and fuzzy. Perhaps he did, but encouragement is much more than that. We see Barnabas living a Christ-like life boldly proclaiming the Word and risking his life for the gospel.
In Acts 9:27 Barnabas stuck up for Paul when many were afraid of him, in Acts 11:23 he rejoiced when he saw the grace of God, in Acts 13:46 he spoke boldly against blasphemy, in Acts 14 he demonstrates humility, and in Acts 15:26 he is said to have risked his life for the name of Jesus Christ.
Kind words are deeply important, but to be greatly encouraging like Barnabas they must be combined with a life that demonstrates faith in what we are encouraged for: Christ.
— Stefan Richardson