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I’m encouraging you to become a Barnabas where you work. And you do that by deciding to do things for people that will encourage them.
These ideas I’m sharing with you are often very small things that take little time or money, but they can truly make a difference. So, here are some more creative ways you can be a Barnabas on the job:
- Offer to help your boss. Really, you could ask your boss what you could do to help him or her, especially if you know that your boss is under a lot of pressure. Bosses need help just like everybody else, yet often they are overlooked.
- Be sensitive to the sniffles. If someone is under the weather, send a note or offer to help with the workload.
- Acknowledge good work. When a coworker does something well, you could acknowledge it with a word, or an email, or a written note, just to let them know that someone notices the effort they put into a job and it was appreciated.
- Offer to pray for a coworker. There are times when a coworker shares a worry or concern with you, either personal or job-related. Instead of allowing it to degrade into a griping or gossip session, simply offer to pray for that person. You may not be able to pray at that moment on the job, but you can assure them that you will remember that situation in prayer. I believe you’ll find that most people are glad for you to pray for them.
- Listen. If a coworker wants to share a problem with you, take the time to listen and give that person your devoted attention. Obviously, you need to be careful not to take advantage of time you should be working, but a listening ear can be one of the most encouraging things you can do for a coworker.
You know, if you become a Barnabas on the job, as you encourage people, you will be amazed at how God will use you right there as a beacon of his light and love.