"When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord."

Acts 11:23-24 (NIV)

Grace changes everything about how we see people. Barnabas walked into Antioch and witnessed something remarkable. Gentiles were coming to faith in Jesus Christ. Many Jewish believers would have felt uncomfortable with this development. Some might have questioned whether God really worked among non-Jews. Barnabas saw God's grace at work and celebrated it immediately.

Character determines how we respond to unexpected blessings. In 1054 AD, the Great Schism split Christianity between East and West. Leaders on both sides claimed to defend truth. They focused on differences rather than celebrating shared faith. Barnabas shows us a different way to respond. When he encountered believers who looked different from him, he rejoiced. His character was rooted in grace, not prejudice.

Holy Spirit-filled people create bridges, not barriers. The text tells us Barnabas was "full of the Holy Spirit and faith." This combination produced a specific result in his life. He encouraged others to remain true to the Lord. He built connections instead of walls. Spirit-filled believers naturally become bridge builders because God's heart beats for unity.

A good man sees good things happening around him. Scripture calls Barnabas "a good man" using the Greek word agathos. This means he was generous, kind, and beneficial to others. Good people tend to see good things. They notice God's work where others might see problems. Their perspective shapes their response to unexpected situations.

Faith stops us from making quick judgments about others. Barnabas could have arrived in Antioch with suspicion and skepticism. Instead, his faith enabled him to recognize authentic spiritual transformation. Faith makes us slow to criticize and quick to celebrate. It helps us trust God's work in unlikely places. Faith sees potential where others see problems.

Godseekers, your character creates bridges for God's kingdom work. When you walk into rooms full of people different from you, what happens? Do you build walls or bridges? Your character determines your response. Like Barnabas, you can become someone whose very presence encourages others toward Jesus. Choose to celebrate God's grace wherever you find it.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You have shown us incredible grace through Jesus Christ. Help us become people like Barnabas who see Your work in unexpected places and celebrate it. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so we naturally encourage others. Make us good people who notice good things happening around us. Give us faith that builds bridges instead of barriers. Help us rejoice when You work through people who are different from us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Personal Reflection

1. When you encounter believers from different backgrounds or traditions, do you first notice what's different or what you share in Christ?
2. How can your character become a bridge that naturally connects others to God's grace and encouragement?

Step of Faith

Today, I will choose to celebrate God's work in someone whose background or approach to faith is different from mine.