Dealing With Criticism.

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." Col. 4:6.

The story is told of a judge who had been frequently ridiculed and criticized by an angry and conceited lawyer. The amazing thing about this judge is that he never responded to the antics of the lawyer. When asked by a friend why he didn't rebuke the lawyer, he replied, "In our town lives a widow who has a dog. And whenever the moon shines, it goes outside and barks all night." Having said that, the judge kept quiet, then he changed the conversation. But his friend couldn't take it. He asked, "But Judge, what about the dog and the moon?" "Oh," he replied, "the moon went on shining and the dog got tired of barking.” We all know that criticism is always difficult to accept, but if we receive it with humility, and a desire to improve our character, it can be very helpful. Only a fool does not profit when he is rebuked for his mistakes.

When we are criticized, we ought to ask ourselves whether the criticism contains any truth. If it does, we should learn from it, even when it is not given with the right motivation and in the right spirit. Commit the matter instantly to God, asking Him to remove all resentment or counter-criticism on your part and teach you the needed lessons. Remember that we all are not perfect, although we are all called to walk towards perfection in the practice of our faith. If you have made a mistake or committed a sin, humbly and frankly confess it to God and to anyone you may have injured. Be willing to learn afresh that you are not infallible and that you need God’s grace and wisdom every moment of the day to keep on the straight path. When we are criticized, let’s accept what is true and act upon it, thereby becoming a stronger person. He who profits from rebuke is wise. 

On the other hand, it doesn't matter how wonderful a person you may be, or how upright and wise in handling the issues of life. The fact is that somebody is not going to like what you do or how you do it. You could be absolutely perfect and you would still get criticized. But as a believer you must be very gracious in criticism. It requires a balance of truth and grace, focusing on restoration rather than condemnation. According to biblical principles, effective and godly criticism should be handled with care, aiming to build up rather than destroy. The primary motivation for criticism must be love and a desire to restore or help the person, not to punish, show superiority, or vent anger. Ask yourself, "Am I saying this to build them up or to feel better about myself?" Before pointing out a flaw in another, you must examine your own heart and behavior. This ensures humility and reduces hypocrisy. Selah!

FURTHER READING:

"First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye." Matt. 7:5.

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Prov. 25:11.

DECLARATION: 

Dear Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege of salvation. Lord, deliver me, from a critical and judgmental spirit. Forgive me for the times my thoughts or words have been harsh, unfair, or destructive toward others. Help me to be quick to listen and slow to anger and slow to speak. Guard my tongue, that I may build others up rather than tear them down. Grant me the wisdom to discern between helpful, constructive feedback and unwarranted negativity. Give me the humility to accept corrections that helps me grow, and the grace to release the need to defend myself when faced with unfair accusations in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Ezra. 4:1-24.

Ezra. 5:1-17.

Ezra. 6:1-22.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

“One Of The Hallmarks Of True Greatness Is The Ability To Handle Criticism Without Resentment.”