When we're trying to pick up a new skill or establish a new habit, it's extremely helpful to have a seasoned friend come alongside us.

Someone who knows what it's like to feel insecure, unfamiliar, and even clumsy.

One word of encouragement can make all the difference

in moving us from amateur to expert. Well, today, on Insight for Living, Chuck Swindall continues

our topical series called Strengthening Your Grip. We're looking at a passage in the book of Hebrews

where we see the wisdom and value of strengthening

your grip on encouragement.

We know his name in the New Testament as Barnabas.

It's a nickname that means Son of Enc of encouragement. It's no wonder why. When the new

persecuted body of believers at Jerusalem were backed to the wall, financially strapped,

Barnabas sold a tract of land and donated the proceeds to the ministry.

Barnabas gave encouragement in finances.

Not afraid to stick his neck out for a new Christian who was suspect in the eyes of the majority,

Barnabas brought Saul of Tarsus to Antioch and gave him a boost in leadership.

Saul became the beloved Apostle Paul.

We might call what Barnabas gave an encouragement of fellowship.

As Paul and Barnabas were about to begin another missionary journey,

they discussed the possibility of taking along John Mark, the young man who earlier had not stayed with them but left for Jerusalem. Paul refused to bring Mark along.

But Barnabas stood his ground, believing in this man's character in spite of what happened before.

They had such a sharp disagreement over the issue that they parted company.

And Barnabas continued on with John Mark, modeling encouragement in spite of failure.

You know, we need more people like Barnabas in our lives.

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