diff --git a/lnwallet/channel.go b/lnwallet/channel.go
index 484a019da5..72b88394b3 100644
--- a/lnwallet/channel.go
+++ b/lnwallet/channel.go
@@ -64,8 +64,9 @@ var (
 
 	// ErrBelowChanReserve is returned when a proposed HTLC would cause
 	// one of the peer's funds to dip below the channel reserve limit.
-	ErrBelowChanReserve = fmt.Errorf("commitment transaction dips peer " +
-		"below chan reserve")
+	ErrBelowChanReserve = fmt.Errorf("insufficient funds to maintain " +
+		"channel reserve (this reserve ensures both parties have " +
+		"skin in the game to discourage cheating)")
 
 	// ErrBelowMinHTLC is returned when a proposed HTLC has a value that
 	// is below the minimum HTLC value constraint for either us or our