Act 11:23-24, 23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
Similar to David, Barnabas was sent to check on the well-being of the brothers, newly converted believers, and provide a detailed report. Upon arrival, he witnessed the divine grace of God in action. This experience greatly uplifted him, leading him to encourage the people to wholeheartedly continue their devotion to the Lord. Recognizing an opportunity, Barnabas acknowledged the gifts bestowed upon him by God and utilized them to serve others. He exemplified goodness, signifying his righteousness. Furthermore, he possessed a profound sense of humility, a strong desire to serve, and harbored no feelings of jealousy that could hinder his spirit. Even when he and Paul encountered a disagreement, they amicably parted ways without Barnabas attempting to undermine Paul’s ministry. Barnabas was filled with the Holy Spirit, surrendering himself to God, allowing the Spirit to guide every aspect of his life.
When we express our desire for an increased presence of the Holy Spirit, we essentially express our willingness to surrender more of ourselves to the Holy Spirit. An individual aspiring to serve and be utilized by God must actively seek humility, be receptive to the Spirit’s guidance, and be prepared to commence their journey from any starting point.