When we first meet him, Barnabas is “Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth” who had become a Christian who, we learn, “was called Barnabas by the apostles,” and whose nickname means “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36). It’s unusual for a man to be given a handle to describe his character—we usually pick out a physical characteristic like “curly,” “shorty,” or “ginger.” His ability to encourage others was so strong that when the apostles wanted to boost the spiritual morale of the congregation in Antioch “they sent Barnabas” and “when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord” (Acts 11:22-23).

We can all be encouragers like Barnabas by learning to remove from our lives those attitudes which can discourage others while at the same time developing skills which will enable us to build them up. It’s very important, to begin with, that we become more sensitive to the fact that other people also have problems. Our culture tends to build up the feeling that we’re the only ones that matter, and this me-first preoccupation blinds us to the hurts, discouragements, and set-backs that others are suffering. So become more sensitive to how others are feeling.

There is a temptation, when we see someone wrestling with a problem, to try and help them by insisting that they act on our solution, to the extent that we become bossy and overbearing. Those we’re trying to help may feel threatened by our proposed solution and fear that we’re going to take control of their lives till they get their situation in hand. While I’m sure no one really wants to take control of someone else’s life, there’s a danger that the one we’re trying to help may feel this is what’s happening.

Discouraged people may feel that there’s no one to whom they can turn if they see potential helpers as aloof or preoccupied, so we need to stop being self-centered and wake up to the fact that problems are the common lot of mankind. Just being aware of this fact will help us not to ignore the problems which others are suffering. It’s too easy to think that if we get involved in another’s plight, we’ll have less time for ourselves. Paul encourages an outward look with these words: “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

Let’s all be encouragers because Scripture says that we are to “consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). Here are some steps to take: Think good of other people and don’t attribute all their problems to failure on their part. Use your eyes to look for the good in every situation. Be attuned to what others are saying and how they’re saying it and listen for hurts you can help heal. Use your lips to communicate respect for and confidence in those who are embroiled in problems. Sense and act on opportunities to give practical help. Begin each day by including in your prayers a request for God’s help to become a more encouraging person.

Encouraging should not be a short-term program but a life-long activity. “Encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13).