Being Seen
"When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple." Acts 9:26
In an article on mentoring, Hannah Schell explains that mentors need to support, challenge, and inspire, but “first, and perhaps foremost, a good mentor sees you. . . . Recognition, not in terms of awards or publicity but in the sense of simply ‘being seen,’ is a basic human need.” People need to be recognized, known, and believed in.
In the New Testament, Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement,” had a knack for “seeing” people around him. In Acts 9, he was willing to give Saul a chance when the other disciples “were all afraid of him” (v. 26). Saul (also called Paul; 13:9) had a history of persecuting believers in Jesus (8:3), so they didn’t think “he really was a disciple” (9:26).
Later, Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement over whether to take Mark with them to “visit the believers in all the towns where [they’d] preached” (15:36). Paul didn’t think it was wise to bring Mark along because he’d deserted them earlier. Interestingly, Paul later asked for Mark’s assistance: “Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11).
Barnabas took time to “see” both Paul and Mark. Perhaps we’re in Barnabas’ position to recognize potential in another person or we’re that individual in need of a spiritual mentor. May we ask God to lead us to those we can encourage and those who will encourage us.
By: Julie Schwab
How have you been encouraged by someone who believed in you? How can you help others who need encouragement?
Father, help me to see and encourage others.
This message taken from: Our Daily Bread
In an article on mentoring, Hannah Schell explains that mentors need to support, challenge, and inspire, but “first, and perhaps foremost, a good mentor sees you. . . . Recognition, not in terms of awards or publicity but in the sense of simply ‘being seen,’ is a basic human need.” People need to be recognized, known, and believed in.
In the New Testament, Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement,” had a knack for “seeing” people around him. In Acts 9, he was willing to give Saul a chance when the other disciples “were all afraid of him” (v. 26). Saul (also called Paul; 13:9) had a history of persecuting believers in Jesus (8:3), so they didn’t think “he really was a disciple” (9:26).
Later, Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement over whether to take Mark with them to “visit the believers in all the towns where [they’d] preached” (15:36). Paul didn’t think it was wise to bring Mark along because he’d deserted them earlier. Interestingly, Paul later asked for Mark’s assistance: “Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11).
Barnabas took time to “see” both Paul and Mark. Perhaps we’re in Barnabas’ position to recognize potential in another person or we’re that individual in need of a spiritual mentor. May we ask God to lead us to those we can encourage and those who will encourage us.
By: Julie Schwab
How have you been encouraged by someone who believed in you? How can you help others who need encouragement?
Father, help me to see and encourage others.
This message taken from: Our Daily Bread
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Enjoy Each Day Of This New Year (1)Enjoy Each Day Of This New Year (2)This Year Think "Possible" (1)This Year Think "Possible" (2)This Year Think "Possible" (3)Let God Lead YouGod Is Your ProviderYour Overflowing Cup Of BlessingSteps To Overcoming Your WorriesFocus On Your God-Given VisionThe Story Of Your BibleHow God Leads UsHow Jesus Dealt With SinAre You Joy-Deprived?It's Time To Pray (1)It's Time To Pray (2)Faith That Brings ResultsBe Faithful To God At WorkWhen Your Best Isn't Good EnoughToday, Give Your Problem To GodSteps To Forgiveness (1)Steps To Forgiveness (2)The Joys Of Heaven (1)The Joys Of Heaven (2)The Joys Of Heaven (3)Learn To Control Your AngerSeek God For DirectionTry A Power NapGo To The Right SourceHow God Sees YouYou Have To "Walk Out" The Process
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This Year, Glorify God And Enjoy HimHow To Be Fruitful (1)How To Be Fruitful (2)How To Be Fruitful (3)How To Be Fruitful (4)How To Be Fruitful (5)Don't Lose Your JoyThe Pharisee And The ProstituteBecome A WorshiperPeople With A Past (1)People With A Past (2)People With A Past (3)Acknowledging God's SovereigntyDon't Let Your Feelings Control YouLearning From LepersForgive Your Parents (1)Forgive Your Parents (2)Stick With God's Plan (1)Stick With God's Plan (2)Become A ConduitHave You Sinned? God Will Forgive YouHeaven Is RealBe A Restorer (1)Be A Restorer (2)Self-ControlYoked Together With JesusLiving By FaithChoose PeaceSay No To SinBe Courageous (1)Be Courageous (2)
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