Add value to people

"And Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and found him, and brought him to Antioch." Acts 11.25-26

Saul of Tarsus was known to have persecuted the Church of Jerusalem (Acts 8: 1-3). The murderous madness of this man was manifested by the murder of Stephen and by several imprisonments, pushing the terrified Christians of Jerusalem to disperse and give birth to the Church of Antioch.

There is a power in adding value to people despite their past mistakes.

Some time later, Barnabas saw the grace of God in this beautiful assembly. Having the faculty to add value to those around him, he had a genius idea : he went to fetch their former executioner Saul of Tarsus, who henceforth had given his life to Jesus and brought him back to Antioch.

Now, imagine what would be the reaction of Christians, facing their former torturer ? Well, not only did the Church receive him as a member, but even better, as a teacher (Acts 11: 25-27). Can you appreciate the love of this Church and its ability to forgive ? It is no coincidence that this biblical episode concludes with these words : "It was in Antioch that, for the first time, the disciples were called Christians." Acts 11.26

Barnabas, like the members of the Antioch Church, had the ability to add value to people, even the least kind. With this vision, Saul of Tarsus became the great apostle Paul. There is a power in adding value to people despite their past mistakes. This is our mission.

Recently, I had the opportunity to have breakfast with John Maxwell, one of the world's greatest teachers of leadership. During our sharing time I asked him a question that was particularly close to my heart : "What should be the greatest value of a leader ?" His answer was : "The greatest value a leader must have is to give value to people."

As Barnabas did for Saul of Tarsus, I invite you to add value to the people whom the Lord puts in your way : a wife, a husband, a child, a neighbor, a co-worker, etc. Who knows ? they may become "apostles Paul".

A prayer for today

Lord, help me add value to people. May I be a channel of blessings for those I meet. May I believe in the unfathomable work you are able to do in their lives.

Patrice Martorano

Source (The Thought of the Day)