encouragement again

It is easy to recognize that encouragement and discouragement are contagious attributes that can spread throughout a community without hindrance.

All of us who are believers can learn from Barnabas, who seemed to spread his encouraging spirit everywhere he went.

Now, it must be recognized that his encouragement was not empty, superficial or deceitful; but rather, it was full of the grace of the gospel as people heard and were saved, even in the midst of the most trying times of persecution imaginable.

"Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. 20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. 23 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. 24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch (Acts 11:19-26)."