Who Are You Encouraged By?
Many years ago, I heard a Pastor say, “Everyone needs a Barnabas in their life.” Why
Barnabas? Because he was a generous giver(Acts 4:36-27), a faithful friend (Acts 9:26-
27), a committed encourager (Acts 11:22-26), and a forgiving brother (Acts 15:36-41).
These are essential qualities every believer needs in someone walking alongside them.
Encouragement plays a vital role in our Christian fellowship and community – it helps
inspire others in their faith and motivates us all towards good works.
We all face seasons of discouragement and trials. Having someone who encourages us
regularly helps strengthen us for those times. Yes, we find deep encouragement in
God’s Word, but He also calls us to be encouragers to one another:
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.” (
1 Thessalonians 5:11). This is just one of over 50 verses in the Bible about encouraging
others. (And let’s be honest -when something is repeated that often in Scripture, it’s
clearly important!)
There are so many simple, practical ways to encourage someone. Here are a few that
come to mind:
These small actions often lead to big blessings because serving others is exactly what
God calls us to do. I’ve come to recognize that when someone is placed on my heart,
it’s not just a random thought – it’s the Holy Spirit prompting me to act.
I’m especially grateful to be part of Choice Baptist Church, a community that offers so
many avenues for encouragement. Our Pastors uplift us weekly through their sermons
that sharpen our biblical knowledge and equip us to share our faith. Our small groups
are led by fellow believers who want to grow with you in your spiritual walk. Parents can
be encouraged by the love and support their children receive in our Teen, Children,
Preschool, Toddler & Nursery Ministries.
We also have a Counseling Ministry to walk alongside you during life’s difficult seasons.
And let’s not forget the warm smiles from our Welcome Team and the comfort found at
our Coffee Bar -those simple gestures can truly brighten a Sunday morning. I haven’t
named every ministry, but you get my point, there are so many ways to both give and
receive encouragement here.
As I close, my prayer is that you would feel this kind of encouragement in your daily
walk with the Lord. And if you don’t, I want to challenge you: become an encourager.
Step out. Be that blessing in someone’s life. I promise it will bring you true joy!
Blessings,
Heather Staib
Many years ago, I heard a Pastor say, “Everyone needs a Barnabas in their life.” Why
Barnabas? Because he was a generous giver(Acts 4:36-27), a faithful friend (Acts 9:26-
27), a committed encourager (Acts 11:22-26), and a forgiving brother (Acts 15:36-41).
These are essential qualities every believer needs in someone walking alongside them.
Encouragement plays a vital role in our Christian fellowship and community – it helps
inspire others in their faith and motivates us all towards good works.
We all face seasons of discouragement and trials. Having someone who encourages us
regularly helps strengthen us for those times. Yes, we find deep encouragement in
God’s Word, but He also calls us to be encouragers to one another:
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.” (
1 Thessalonians 5:11). This is just one of over 50 verses in the Bible about encouraging
others. (And let’s be honest -when something is repeated that often in Scripture, it’s
clearly important!)
There are so many simple, practical ways to encourage someone. Here are a few that
come to mind:
- Making a phone call
- Sending a text or handwritten card
- Praying for or better yet, with someone
- Having a heartfelt conversation
- Spending intentional time together
- Dropping off a treat, coffee, tea or meal
These small actions often lead to big blessings because serving others is exactly what
God calls us to do. I’ve come to recognize that when someone is placed on my heart,
it’s not just a random thought – it’s the Holy Spirit prompting me to act.
I’m especially grateful to be part of Choice Baptist Church, a community that offers so
many avenues for encouragement. Our Pastors uplift us weekly through their sermons
that sharpen our biblical knowledge and equip us to share our faith. Our small groups
are led by fellow believers who want to grow with you in your spiritual walk. Parents can
be encouraged by the love and support their children receive in our Teen, Children,
Preschool, Toddler & Nursery Ministries.
We also have a Counseling Ministry to walk alongside you during life’s difficult seasons.
And let’s not forget the warm smiles from our Welcome Team and the comfort found at
our Coffee Bar -those simple gestures can truly brighten a Sunday morning. I haven’t
named every ministry, but you get my point, there are so many ways to both give and
receive encouragement here.
As I close, my prayer is that you would feel this kind of encouragement in your daily
walk with the Lord. And if you don’t, I want to challenge you: become an encourager.
Step out. Be that blessing in someone’s life. I promise it will bring you true joy!
Blessings,
Heather Staib
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