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Many of us know that there are pitfalls in the Christian walk. There are seasons when we feel strong in the Lord, full of faith, joy, and passion. Then there are moments when we stumble, fall short, and feel the weight of our failures.

What can make those moments even heavier is when someone comes along, not to restore us, but to criticize us. It can feel as if the hole we fell into has only become deeper.

My brothers and sisters, we need more encouragement and less criticism. We need more people willing to lift up the wounded, restore the broken, and speak life to those who are struggling.

Now, let me be clear. There is a time for rebuke. There is a time for correction. There is a time for loving admonishment. Scripture calls us to speak truth. But the truth must always be spoken in love. Correction without love can become cruelty. Rebuke without humility can become self-righteous judgment.

Underneath the layers of people’s lives, there is a real story. Behind the failure, there is pain. Behind the sin, there may be shame, weakness, confusion, or brokenness. And even in the middle of moral failure before God, there is still a person whom God loves dearly.

People do not need our pride. They need Christ. They do not need our self-righteous judgment. They need truth wrapped in love. They need someone to remind them that the same God who convicts also restores. The same God who disciplines also heals. The same God who exposes sin also offers mercy through Jesus Christ.

I have been the critic, and I have been the failure.

When I was the one who failed, what filled my soul was not the voice of condemnation, but the voice of a brother who loved me despite my failures before God. He challenged me to continue pursuing the Lord because I was already forgiven in Christ. His words were life to me. I needed to hear them.

But when I was the critic, I now realize that I was often feeding my own ego and pride. I thought I was standing strong, but in reality, I was failing too. Isn’t it humbling how even our criticism can reveal another kind of brokenness in us?

This is why we must look to the example of Barnabas in the early church. Acts 4:36 tells us that Barnabas means “Son of Encouragement.” He was known for uplifting, strengthening, and edifying the brethren. He did not ignore truth, but he carried truth with a heart that sought to build others up.

The church needs more people like Barnabas.

People who encourage the weary. People who restore the fallen.

People who speak truth with tears, not pride. People who remind others that failure is not the end of the story when grace is still available.

Here a few ways you can be a Barnabas:

Be an Encourager

Encouragement restores what criticism often crushes. A wounded believer does not need another stone thrown at them. They need someone to point them back to Christ.

Speak the truth in Love

Truth must be spoken with love, not pride. Biblical correction should come from a heart that wants restoration, not humiliation.

Teach that the Righteous get back up

Failure is not final for the believer. In Christ, there is forgiveness, mercy, and the grace to get back up again.

Be led by the Spirit

God often uses encouragers to strengthen the weary. Be sensitive to God. Make that call or visit. A timely word can help someone keep walking with the Lord when they feel like giving up.

So, listen intently to someone else today. Pay attention to the person who may be hurting behind the smile. Look for the one who may be carrying shame silently. And when the opportunity arises, speak words of truth, grace, and encouragement to them.

Be the encouragement someone needs today.

Remind them that Jesus still restores.

Remind them that God is not finished with them.

Remind them that forgiveness is found in Christ.

Remind them that they can get back up and keep pursuing the Lord.

May God richly bless you this day!

Pastor Lu