Choosing to Spread Encouragement

By Heidi Schartner

Sunshine. It’s a nickname I’ve been called my whole life. In fact, I don’t remember the last time my dad called me by my real name.

Nicknames existed back in Bible days too. Acts 4 introduces us to Barnabas (not to be confused with Barabbas. Two totally different dudes!). His birth name was Joseph. A very fine name.

But his nickname? Son of Encouragement. That’s what the disciples chose to call him. His actions, his deeds, his character was such that they characterized him as the Encourager. Through the persecutions, mockery, financial woes etc, he was known as an encourager.

What an awesome legacy to have. Perhaps we can take a page from Joseph’s book and choose to spread encouragement…because right now, I think we can all use a bit more of that.

QUESTION FOR YOU: Who do you admire and what nickname would you give them?

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)