Forgive and Encourage!
Is there someone you need to forgive in life? Is there someone who needs your encouragement? Maybe you need to feel the gifts of forgiveness and encouragement. When asked how to pray, Jesus reminds us of the central importance of forgiveness. He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation." (Luke 11: 2-4 NIV) Saint Barnabas was an inspiring early apostle whose feast day is celebrated on June 11th. Upon learning about Jesus, he responded with excitement and great devotion. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 4:36, 37 NIV) He also took Christ’s teaching to forgive others seriously. After Saul’s conversion to become Paul, Barnabas was one of the