In this sermon The Encourager, fault-finding is not a spiritual gift. Locating problem areas in any relationship, team, family, ministry, and/or organization is not difficult. Solving these takes initiative, innovation, insight, intelligence, inspiration, inventiveness, imagination, and input. Being critical and corrective is the easy, low road. Being creative and constructive is the difficult, high road. The difference is night and day. However, there is a champion that stands out; Barnabas, the encourager. That was his nickname; one that has stuck throughout the ages. If fellow believers, coworkers, or family members were to give you a nickname, what would it be? Through utilizing encouragement the Gospel spread throughout the whole world. He assisted others in their personal, ministerial, and spiritual growth. He invested in the lives of others, to “edify” them or build them up, and expected little in return. The end result of his efforts was always the same: the church was strengthened and the kingdom of God expanded.