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Group Discussion
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Barnabas - Son of Encouragement
August 18,2024
Week 2: See Good in Others
Jeff Griffin
Acts 9:26-30
Giving encouragement is more than just a compliment or a pat on the back. Building others up unleashes transformation in their lives — a skill anyone can master. Because of the power of God to change people, we can look at Barnabas’ example of what happens when we view others with grace. This week, let’s examine the power of seeing good in others.
In honor of Simone Biles and the Olympic Games, what’s your favorite summer Olympic sport? If you watched any of the Olympics this year, what was a highlight for you?
1. When you think about the idea of seeing good in others, what comes to mind? Where have you benefitted from someone taking a risk on you?
2. Read Acts 9:26-27. How did Barnabas stick up for Saul (whose name later changed to Paul) when the other believers didn’t think Saul had truly converted to faith in Jesus?
“When he came to Jerusalem, [Saul] tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.”
3. Barnabas had spent time working to learn Saul’s story. What are some tangible ways that we can get to know others and discover their stories in this day and age?
4. What do you think are some reasons why it’s hard to extend grace to someone when we’d rather dismiss them, or even simply because they’re different from us?
5. Jeff described four ways we can encourage others by believing in them. How have you seen these principles impact your life?
- Show Interest in them.
- Believe in them.
- Support them.
- Advocate for them.
6. What difference could it make if someone comes alongside to encourage you at church or in your spiritual life? How does trusting in God’s power to transform lives also give you hope?
What’s your next step? Where is God leading you to encourage someone? Fear, doubt and skepticism can sometimes keep us from taking risks on people. Pray that you and your group members can serve as a Barnabas in others’ lives.