Rejoice When God Works beyond Your Familiar Circle

“Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the LORD Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.”

Acts 11:19-24 KJV

Barnabas did not arrive looking for a reason to make the work about himself. He saw the grace of God and was glad. His response combined recognition of what the Lord had done with encouragement toward continued faithfulness.

Read the passage carefully

A ministry outside our familiar circle can stir comparison. We may question it because its people, methods, or setting differ from ours. Discernment is necessary, and teaching should always be tested by Scripture. Yet discernment should not become a disguise for jealousy. When the gospel is clear and its fruits are evident, another group's blessing gives us reason to thank the Lord rather than protect our own importance.

Learn enough to judge fairly. Listen to the actual teaching, understand the setting, and distinguish biblical concerns from personal preferences. Offer encouragement where it is deserved and correction where it is needed, with the same truthfulness you would want applied to your own work. Do not repeat a rumor simply because it makes a successful ministry seem less threatening to your reputation.