"See" the grace of God (3)

Wednesday January 12, 2022

"See" the grace of God (3)

“He encouraged them all to hold fast to the Lord with a steadfast heart.” Acts 11. 23

Barnabas was impressed with the Church of Antioch, its passion for the gospel, its generosity, its desire to imitate the conduct of Christ. He had seen the action of the Holy Spirit within a disparate assembly, made up of Africans from present-day Libya, Greeks from Greece, Cretans and Cypriots, and of course exiled Jews, able to pray. together and support each other. Others could have written a report on this church for the apostles. But Barnabas had the spiritual gift of encouragement. Knowing how easy it is to give up when persecution draws near and the temptation to turn back the clock is never far away, encouraging new Christians in the city was vital. Even though the name “Christian” was first used in Antioch to define disciples of Christ, nonetheless the church was young, cosmopolitan, multicultural, it seems nowadays, and in need of the teaching of seasoned disciples, like Barnabas and later Paul. Strengthening the faith of believers to face inevitable trials with serenity and perseverance was Barnabas's goal. Another group of devotees needed encouragement, so as not to fall into complacency and slackness. Some had benefited from divine intervention in their lives and no longer felt the need for daily fellowship with their Lord. Which can become a danger for us too. Do we not really need the encouragement of a Barnabas to help us remain faithful under all circumstances ? Let us not become too jaded with the effects of divine grace in our lives and in the lives of our brothers and sisters to the point of ceasing to see the grace of God in all its greatness.

Source (His Word for Today)