Being Like Barnabas: Not Giving Up on Others, When the World Throws in the Towel

Posted on July 4, 2025

Have you ever been in a season where everyone around you gave up on someone but God kept nudging your heart not to? Maybe you saw something deeper, something only the Holy Spirit could reveal. It's not easy to stand by someone when others step away, especially when their past is messy or their present is shaky. But God doesn’t call us to live in fear or judgment. He calls us to walk in faith, love, and obedience.

One of the most powerful examples of this kind of godly courage is found in the life of Barnabas, a man known in Scripture as the “son of encouragement.” He didn’t see people the way the world saw them, he saw them through the eyes of redemption.

When Others Ran, Barnabas Stood Firm

In Acts 9:26-28, we meet a frightened group of disciples in Jerusalem. Paul formerly Saul, the infamous persecutor of the early church, had recently encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. His life had radically changed, but the believers weren’t buying it. They were afraid, and rightly so. Saul had a history, a painful, violent one. To them, he was still the enemy.

But Barnabas.

Barnabas stepped in. He believed in Saul’s transformation. He listened, he discerned, and he chose faith over fear. He personally took Saul to the apostles, told them of his encounter with the Lord, and how boldly he preached in Jesus’ name. Because of Barnabas, Paul was welcomed and given the opportunity to serve.

Sometimes, being obedient to God means advocating for someone when no one else will. It means taking risks, extending grace, and trusting God's power to change lives.

Mentorship Over Suspicion

Later in Acts 11:25-26, we see Barnabas actively seeking out Paul in Tarsus. He didn't just believe in Paul's conversion; he nurtured it. He brought Paul to Antioch where the two spent a year teaching and growing the church. Barnabas didn't just see potential—he helped develop it.

How many times have we watched someone start strong in their faith only to drift or be doubted because of their past? It’s easy to distance ourselves and think, “Let’s wait and see what happens.” But Barnabas didn’t wait—he invested. He walked alongside Paul and mentored him into ministry.

And isn’t that what we’re called to do too? Not just believe in people but walk with them.

When Paul Gave Up, Barnabas Gave Grace

Later in Acts 15:36-41, we witness a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, who had previously deserted them during a mission trip. Paul was done with Mark—but Barnabas wasn’t.

Barnabas saw something in Mark that Paul, at that moment, could not. Rather than discard the relationship, Barnabas once again chose restoration. He took Mark under his wing, just like he had done with Paul.

And guess what? Mark went on to become a valuable servant in ministry. In fact, Paul later writes in 2 Timothy 4:11, “Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.”

Redemption stories take time. Grace often needs space. And those willing to stay close when everyone else walks away? They get to witness the miracle unfold.

Walking in Faith, Not in Fear

If God is stirring your heart to stand by someone others have written off, remember you're in good company. The world may throw in the towel but that’s not your cue to quit. It might be your invitation to intercede, to encourage, to disciple. I thank God for men like Jeffrey Bailey, Daniel Beard, Ron Ben and Graddie Peoples, who didn't give up on me and became the Barnabas men in my life.

Operating in fear keeps us stagnant, but operating in obedience brings transformation—not just in others, but in us.

Let us be like Barnabas.

Let us believe the best, even when others expect the worst.

Let us encourage, restore, and cultivate spiritual growth in those God places in our lives.

Because when we refuse to give up on someone, we reflect the heart of a God who never gives up on us.

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