MARCH 23, Galatians 5:22; Acts 11:24

Being Christians, we must actively pursue goodness. What people see in us should be what we really are. We are to be completely honest and not hide anything.

Take a look at a Bible character – Barnabas. The Bible has accounts of what this man Barnabas had done. The source of Barnabas’ goodness was the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit made Barnabas a good man, and the Holy Spirit can do that for us too. Acts 11:24 describes Barnabas.

He served Jesus and he had goodness in his daily life and did many good things. Child, be prepared to learn from Barnabas. Some of his good deeds are:

1. Goodness prompted him to care for others. When other Christians treated Paul with coldness and suspicion, Barnabas gave him the warmth of friendship and fellowship. Before Paul became a Christian, he was a terrible person for he persecuted the Christians. Perhaps, that is why others shunned him. But Barnabas was sensitive and caring towards him. It was Barnabas who convinced the Jerusalem church leaders to accept Paul.

2. Goodness made him give generously. Barnabas sold his property and gave generously to the church.

Barnabas did many wonderful and good things. His original name was Joses, but the Apostles gave him the name ‘Barnabas’, which means ________________ (Acts 4:36). The Bible says that ‘a good name is better than precious ointment’ and ‘rather to be chosen than great riches’. (Ecclesiastes 7:1; Proverbs 22:1)

What do people think of you?
What name do you think they will give you?

Thought: What is the meaning of your name? Do you live up to it?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful example of Barnabas. Help me to learn from him and please help me to be close to You so that I may draw strength to be good in thoughts, words and actions by the help of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.