Barnabas & . . .

Encouragement isn't always comfortable—for either person. The best “worship responses” are actions. We should all engage with a variety of activities, people, personalities, and potential. Encouragement works way better than criticism. Series: Healthy Friendships: As Iron Sharpens Iron Speaker: John Pryor Notes: Choose encouragement over comfort. Life-shaping, “iron sharpens iron” encouragement defined Barnabas and shaped his own life. Biblical encouragement helps others get where they need to go; it is not about helping them feel better. Acts 4:32-37, 9:26-31, 10-11, 13-15; Colossians 4:1 Take action: do what needs to be done. Barnabas split with Paul to help John Mark, Paul, and all of us. The friends who brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus used action to prove what he was worth to them; they did their best and trusted Jesus to do the rest. Proverbs 27:17, Mark 2:1-12 Engage. Commit. Go ALL IN. Become a relentless encourager. It's worth it. 2 Timothy 4:11, 1 Peter 5:13 Stop criticizing and start encouraging. When you praise someone AND when you correct and teach them, always be HONEST and SPECIFIC. The clock is ticking; do whatever it takes. Proverbs 27:6, Romans 12:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Lord, I will…