Nicknames
Do you still have a nickname? Did you have a nickname growing up? Many of us did or still do. Nicknames reflect a person’s personality or physical characteristics. My uncle’s nickname was Tiny, but he was anything but tiny. I call my wife honey, because she is sweet. I was called Snowball growing up because my hair was as white as the snow. When my hair changed color and I began to lose it, that nickname fell by the wayside.
We know this disciple as Barnabas. He worked alongside Paul on his missionary journeys. Barnabas was his nickname. His real name was Joseph. He was a Levite from the island of Cyprus. The apostles gave him the nickname, Barnabas.
They called Joseph, Barnabas, because he was such an encourager. We know people who are complainers. We would not want to be known as such a person, but who would not want to be known as an encourager.
Joseph got his nickname later in life because of who he became in Christ, an encourager. I understand, at times it is hard to encourage others when we are the ones needing encouragement. I have found out that when I can genuinely encourage others, I am blessed and encouraged to see how God uses kind and honest words to touch the lives of others.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV
Father, please help me today to share a word of encouragement with someone who needs it. Make me an encourager! In Jesus name, Amen!
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