A good friend Barnabas

All Christians need to know a Barnabas and aspire to be like him. This Bible man was nick-named the "son of encouragement" for a reason. When someone was needed to put a good word about someone or something, Barnabas was it. He did it regularly, no matter the situation. When others had anger, fear, and doubt about Paul after his conversion to Christ, Barnabas had faith in God to accept Paul and give others encouragement to accept him too. Barnabas was the same way with John Mark (who wrote the book of Mark) after he abandoned Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey. What did Barnabas do? He stood for Mark and took him on another mission. Paul later called Mark a valuable part of Paul's ministry. What changed? Barnabas believed in potential, not what was the seen here and now. He saw the good in people and went out in faith that God would develop the good. He took the rejects and the scorned and gave them a fresh start, and they proved him right for doing so. Oh for more men and women like him today.