Making Room for Others in Our Giving
Pastor Wesley & Yajhna Sing · 2 min read
“For Barnabas was a good man [privately and publicly—his godly character benefited both himself and others] and he was full of the Holy Spirit and full of faith [in Jesus the Messiah, through whom believers have everlasting life]. And a great number of people were brought to the Lord. And Barnabas left for Tarsus to search for Saul; and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. For an entire year they met [with others] in the church and instructed large numbers; and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.”
Barnabas was given the task of evangelizing the saints at Antioch. He noticed how excited and willing the people were to accept the Lord and he realized that the work was too much for him. He needed more expert help. He went looking for Paul. Everyone else was afraid of Paul, but Barnabas saw the greatness in him and sought him to accompany him in his work. Saul together with Barnabas won many to Christ in Antioch, actually, people were first called Christians in Antioch.
Barnabas has a great capacity to give to others. He was very inclusive and was willing to share his work load with others, even if it meant that they were more popular than him. He was not afraid that Paul would outdo him. He was kingdom minded and he was willing to take a step back and give room for Paul. This is true giving of one self. He never thought only of himself and what he could accomplish, no the work was too big for one person. This kind of giving is inclusive and expands the kingdom of God. I urge you to become more kingdom minded and make room for others. Give up your spot for someone else and God will reward you with promotion openly.
From the August 2024 issue, themed RELENTLESS IN MY GIVING.
