AUGUEST THEME – “Seeing Revival From God’s Perspective”
Join us in prayer and celebration as Belmont Baptist Church celebrates our Year of Jubilee, marking fifty years of God’s amazing faithfulness and looking forward with grateful hearts to all He has yet to do.
BEATS FROM YOUR PASTOR’S HEART
IT’S EASIER TO CRITICIZE THAN TO ENCOURAGE
Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
We live in a world where criticism comes naturally and encouragement must be cultivated. It is easy to point out another person’s faults, weaknesses, failures, or shortcomings. News outlets thrive on criticism. Social media rewards criticism. Conversations often revolve around criticism. Even in our homes and churches, we can become experts at identifying what is wrong while overlooking what God is doing that is right. The Christian life, however, is radically different. Jesus did not call His followers to become faultfinders but faith-builders. Every word we speak either tears down or builds up. Every conversation either discourages or strengthens someone. It is always easier to criticize than to encourage, but the disciple of Christ chooses words that minister grace because he understands the power of encouragement to change lives.
Criticism Tears Down; Encouragement Builds Up
Paul commands believers to let every word that proceeds from their mouths serve the purpose of edifying others. The word edify means “to build a house.” Every conversation is an opportunity to build or demolish. Our words are like bricks. They can construct confidence, hope, and faith, or they can destroy courage and leave wounds that last for years. Barnabas understood this principle. His very name means “Son of Consolation” or “Son of Encouragement.” When others questioned Saul’s conversion, Barnabas believed in him. When John Mark failed and others wanted to give up on him, Barnabas gave him another opportunity. The early church became stronger because one man chose encouragement over criticism. How different our homes would be if husbands praised their wives more than they criticized them. How different our churches would be if believers looked for opportunities to encourage instead of complaining. Encouragement does not ignore sin or excuse wrongdoing, but it seeks to restore rather than destroy. God has called us to be builders of people, not breakers of people.
Jesus Saw What People Could Become
One of the beautiful characteristics of Jesus was His ability to see beyond a person’s failures. Simon was impulsive, yet Jesus called him Peter, the rock. Matthew was a despised tax collector, yet Jesus saw an evangelist. Thomas struggled with doubt, yet Jesus patiently strengthened his faith. Even after Peter denied Him three times, Jesus restored him rather than rejected him. The world labels people by their failures. Jesus sees people through the lens of His grace. Criticism often focuses on a person’s past. Encouragement points them toward God’s future. That does not mean Jesus ignored sin. He lovingly confronted it. But He never confronted merely to condemn. He confronted in order to restore. Every follower of Christ should ask, “When people leave my presence, are they stronger in their faith or weaker because of my words?”
Encouragement Reflects the Heart of Christ
The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter. Throughout Scripture, God continually strengthens, comforts, and encourages His people. When Elijah wanted to quit, God encouraged him. When Joshua feared leading Israel, God repeatedly said, “Be strong and of a good courage.” When Paul sat in prison, God reminded him that His grace was sufficient. If God continually encourages His children, should not His children encourage one another? Hebrews 10:24–25 tells us to “consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” The word consider means to intentionally think about how we can help someone else succeed spiritually. Encouragement is rarely accidental. It is usually the result of a heart that is looking for ways to strengthen others. One encouraging word at the right moment can change the direction of someone’s life. Many people are carrying burdens we know nothing about. A kind word, a sincere compliment, a handwritten note, a prayer, or a simple expression of appreciation may be exactly what God uses to keep someone from giving up.
A teacher once placed two identical plants in her classroom. Every day the students spoke kind, encouraging words to one plant while constantly criticizing the other. Both plants received the same water, sunlight, and care. Over time, the encouraged plant flourished while the other noticeably weakened. Whether or not every detail of that story could be scientifically verified, the spiritual principle is unmistakable. People flourish where encouragement is abundant. They wither where criticism is constant. The words we speak have tremendous power. As Proverbs reminds us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
Every person you meet is fighting a battle you may never see. Some are discouraged. Some are grieving. Some are overwhelmed. Some are questioning whether anyone notices or cares. You have the opportunity today to become God’s instrument of encouragement. Ask yourself: Am I known more for pointing out faults or for building up faith? Do my wife and children feel stronger because of my words? Do my coworkers and church family leave my presence encouraged? Anyone can criticize. It takes the grace of God to encourage. Jesus never called us to become professional critics. He called us to become faithful disciples who speak life, extend grace, and strengthen one another until He comes again. It will always be easier to criticize than to encourage. But those who choose encouragement become instruments through whom Christ strengthens His people.
Warfare Prayer
Heavenly Father,Forgive me for the times I have used my words to criticize when I should have encouraged, to wound when I should have healed, and to discourage when I should have strengthened. Cleanse my heart, for I know that my words reveal what is within me. Fill me with the love, patience, and compassion of Jesus Christ. Help me to see people as You see them—not merely for what they are today, but for what they can become through Your grace. Guard my tongue from gossip, harshness, sarcasm, and unnecessary criticism. Instead, let my words minister grace, bring hope, strengthen the weary, and point others to Christ. Make me a Barnabas in my home, my church, my workplace, and my community. May those who leave my presence walk away with greater faith, renewed courage, and a deeper desire to follow Jesus. Let my speech always honor You and build up those around me. In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Daily Challenge
Today, intentionally encourage at least three people. Write a note, send a text, make a phone call, or speak words of sincere appreciation. Look for something specific that reflects God’s work in their life rather than offering a generic compliment. Before every conversation today, ask yourself: “Will my words build this person up or tear them down?” Remember: Anyone can point out what’s wrong. A disciple helps others become what God intends them to be.
FRIDAY’S PRAYER NEEDS
Deanne Boynton
Beverly Burnette
Anna Belle Taylor – Irregular Heartbeat – Jackson’s Special Friend
Rob Davis – cancer
Mary Williams Family
Kim McClain’s Mother