Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them. Galatians 6:6
“Do not be one who reaches out your hands to receive but draws them back from giving. Love like the apple of your eye everyone who speaks the word of the Lord to you.”
Joseph (died A.D. 61) a.k.a. Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus in the Epistle of Barnabas 19:9.
Barnabas applies an amazing word picture to describe reaching out and not drawing back in our giving: “Love like the apple of your eye everyone who speaks the word of the Lord to you.”
Notice how that echoes the sentiment in Galatians. Remember, Paul did the first missionary journey to Galatia with Barnabas. We can imagine them teaching people to bless those who speak the Word of the Lord to them.
Today, I am having lunch with a man who is like Barnabas to me. He saw me as the apple of his eye and did not hold back but gave the lead gift to launch GTP. I will never forget that day.
We have not had meal together for some time. I can’t wait to fellowship, to hear what God is teaching him and to share what God has been teaching me. And I will thank him for sharing so generously with me.
Is there a Barnabas in your life that you need to thank? Do it today! Or are you Barnabas to someone like Paul? If so, don’t hold back in giving but make that person the apple of your eye.