"When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with a firm resolve of the heart—for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith—and large numbers of people were added to the Lord." — Acts 11:23–24
Anyone who has been either a player or a coach knows the value of encouragement, yet all too often we are quick to point out the mistakes and failures of others rather than their successes and the things they do well. Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement,” was a person who grasped the enormous value of blessing others with words. He came alongside believers in the midst of trials and troubles of all kinds, and he encouraged them to press on and to be all that God had called them to be.
The value of lifting up the hearts of men and women is immeasurable. Encouragement strengthens character, increases confidence in God, develops loyalty, deepens faith, and stimulates joy. We coaches have a choice each day about whether our style will be marked by encouragement or discouragement. May we earn the same reputation as that of Barnabas.
1. Is your coaching style one of unrelenting correction that discourages your players?
2. Do you encourage your players in the good qualities they have?
3. Are you known as a godly person, full of the Holy Spirit and faith?
Extra Reading: Acts 4:36–37
Heavenly Father, I see the value of encouragement. Please renew me by Your Spirit, the divine encourager, so that through Jesus Christ I may be a “Barnabas” to others for Your glory. Amen.