There are two kinds of people in our lives: some could be called Balcony people, while others could be called Basement people.
Balcony people:
They are always present to cheer, encourage, affirm, and nudge others toward growth and progress. It is a blessing to have such people in our lives. Paul was confident that the disciples in Thessalonica were encouraging and edifying one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Disciples are the cheerleaders of other disciples.
In sports, cheerleaders are hired to encourage a team, often because they are paid. Christians, on the other hand, are called to encourage others not for payment or favour, but for the sake of the Body of Christ and the Kingdom of God. Jonathan, who encouraged David, and Barnabas, who encouraged Paul, are good examples.
Basement people:
They are always active and relentless in pulling others down to their level. Satan is relentless in criticism, allegations, and accusations (Revelation 12:10). In a similar way, basement people aim to degrade, defame, and diminish those who shine for the Lord. They act out of envy, anger, an inferiority complex, or a lack of love. Cain and the chief priest who accused the Lord Jesus before Pilate are examples.
A mature approach:
Sometimes cheerleaders can become flatterers, and flattery can mislead a person. Therefore, spiritual discernment is essential. Critics, on the other hand, can sometimes serve as unpaid watchmen of the soul. When people criticise, a believer should self-examine. If there is no truth in the criticism, he or she should forgive the critics and move forward. But if there is some truth in their allegations, then the believer should repent and seek forgiveness from the Lord.
Being grateful:
Disciples should be grateful to the Lord for both the Balcony and Basement people. They should also express their thanks to the Balcony people through a message, a call, a letter, or even a surprise visit for fellowship. A believer should also be grateful for critics, knowing that being watched encourages greater care in all things.
Do I discern and learn from both Balcony and Basement people?