Some Bible commentaries suggest that Barnabas means “son of encouragement” or “son of consolation.” Which came first might be open to speculation (or fact), but the man who accompanied the apostle Paul is often considered to be an excellent example of the definition.
Recently, I attended a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of a lady who had served her church faithfully for many years. As is so often the case, it is only when someone is unable to continue their service that others appreciate all the “little things” that were undertaken. In the case of this lady, who attended a different church from mine, I was privileged to lead worship on a few occasions. At the end of the service, she would frequently approach and not only say, “Thank you,” but would continue to explain why she was appreciative. I am sure I was not the only one who received such comments, but her encouragement reminded me that all too often it may be easier to criticise (albeit without approaching the recipient of our comments) than to express our appreciation and why.
Regular readers, who conduct services, are probably familiar with people exiting the building with a brief “Thank you” or “Thank you for your message (sermon)”, and it might be interesting or challenging to ask why that was said. I wouldn’t recommend that, but there have been a few occasions when I have subsequently contacted someone and expressed the reasons for my appreciation.
To do so at the end of a meeting might not always be necessary or advisable, because there must be occasions when we might not appreciate a challenging message that needs further consideration. However, it might be interesting, at the end of the next service we attend, to consider why we might appreciate what we heard. Maybe some already do, without sharing it with anyone else.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the various ways in which we can hear the thoughts of others as they share their understanding of scripture with us. Please give us the discernment to recognise what you want us to benefit from what we hear. AMEN