A Word Fitly Spoken

No one would deny that words are powerful agents of change. Our words can lift a broken heart, display God’s love, and empower others in the Lord. No where else in Scripture does the idea of encouragement paint such a beautiful picture, as in Proverbs 25:11, which says “A word fitly spoken [is like] apples of gold in settings of silver.” Can you point to a word that was fitly spoken into your life? How were you encouraged? While many words swirl around us in a day, it’s the words of encouragement that truly make a difference.

In Scripture, Barnabas was one of Paul’s biggest encouragers. In fact, because his life was dedicated to encouraging others, the apostles gave him a fitting nickname. He went from being called Joseph, to Barnabas, which is translated Son of Encouragement.

One of the key characteristics of an encourager is that they reach out to the unlovely and unpopular. This might be someone who has a distant personality, a poor attitude or an anxious heart. After spending his life murdering and persecuting Christians, Paul remained a threat to the disciples even after he was converted. Because of his past, the disciples were afraid of him. Barnabas, however, “took hold of him (Paul) and brought him to the apostles and described his conversion,” (Acts 9:27). Barnabas saw the potential in people where others focused on the negatives. When no one wanted to step out toward Paul, Barnabas stood up and believed in him. He went after the underdog.

When the early church was forming, Barnabas was called upon to use his gift to encourage those who were new in their faith. When the word was preached in Antioch, many believed and were saved. When the disciples heard of the conversions there, they sent Barnabas to the people. “When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord,” (Acts 11:23). His message was one of perseverance in faith.

Being a person of encouragement takes a heart of genuine concern, love and focus. We must be willing to look beyond ourselves to provide a fitly spoken word to someone in need. Who in your sphere of influence could use an encouraging word this week? Maybe it’s the person that quietly comes and goes each Sunday, or the teenager who is struggling to fit in.
How can we reach out to the unlovely person or the new believer that needs to be encouraged in their faith? Let’s stay alert, active and engaged so that, like Barnabas, we too can be used as an encouragement to others.