The Power of encouragement

Notes from sermon By Rev Dr Patrick Lau

Prov 18:21 life and death are in the power of the tongue.

Prov 3:27 talks about looking for opportunities to help and bless, because it's in our power to do so.

Prov 15:26 the words of the pure are pleasant words.

It's within our power to build each other up with words of encouragement.

Prov 16:24 pleasant words are sweet to the soul and health to the bones.

Words of encouragement can heal spiritual and physical afflictions.

Prov 25:11 talks about how a word aptly spoken is as precious as silver and gold.

Encouragers often change the destiny of people's lives. An excellent example is Barnabas.

In Acts 4:36, Barnabas, whose name means "the son of consolation" sold his land and laid all he sold at the apostles' feet for distribution to all who have needs.

In Acts 9:27, we read that after Saul was converted, the disciples were afraid of him because they weren't sure if he could be trusted. Barnabas, however welcome him, supported him and testified on his behalf to the rest so that they could begin to trust him. Without that first act of encouragement & acceptance, Paul may never have had the impact and reach as an apostle of Jesus Christ.

Barnabas also helped John Mark. In Acts 12:12, we learned that John's house was a house of prayer. In Acts 13:5, John was much encouraged to join the apostles in their evangelistic outreach. Then at one point, he decided to return to Jerusalem. The Bible didn't say why but he could have been discouraged. In Acts 15:36-40, Barnabas wanted to involve John Mark in missions but Paul was against it. Paul was likely put off by John's earlier decision to leave the missions, but Barnabas saw it fit to give John a second chance. He stood firm on his convictions even if it meant being separated from Paul after a heated argument. The advisors of Paul chose Silas, but Barnabas chose John Mark because he knew it was the right thing to do.

Years later towards the end of his life, we read in 2 Tim 4:11 that Paul realised Barnabas's choice of John Mark was right. As he was waiting for his sentence, he asked for John Mark to be brought to him as he will be an asset to his ministry. We can see how Barnabas's encouragement turned John Mark into an instrument of blessing in God's work.

In conclusion, don't despise others, don't tear them down; build them up instead with God's love, and words and acts of encouragement.