Criticism. We’ve all experienced it. Sometimes it is justified, sometimes it is not. But none of us like it. No one enjoys being told they are doing something wrong.
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. Let me offer some Biblical advice when you are criticized:
Expect criticism.
Realize that the more active you are, the more criticism you will receive. “To escape criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.” Who catches the criticism?
It’s the ones who are out there in the middle of things with their sleeves
rolled up.
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)
Criticism can serve a useful purpose. Learn from it.
Recognize that some criticisms are certainly deserved. Even when critics are unkind and when they exaggerate our failures, there may still be some truth in what they say. Remember that we are all great sinners and that the one who has criticized us does not begin to know the worst about us. So, when faced with criticism, we need to look at the situation honestly and ask these questions: Is it true? If so, how can I overcome the condition that caused it? If not, is there something I can do to eliminate future criticism of the same type?
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.
“The ear that hears the reproof of life will abide among the wise. He who disdains instructions despises his own soul, but he who heeds reproof gets understanding.” (Proverbs 15:31-32)
Having gotten any benefit we can from criticism, we need to forget it.
There are times when people will criticize you and the best thing you can do is just to keep on serving God. We’ve got to accept the fact there is no way that unfair criticism can be dealt with. In a lot of situations, the more you may attempt to answer criticism, the worse the criticism becomes. Commit the matter instantly to God, asking Him to remove all resentment or counter-criticism on your part and teach you the needed lessons.
“But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.
For I know nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but he who judges me is the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)
As we receive criticism in our lives, may God help us to be honest enough and humble enough to look into our hearts and make changes that are necessary, and gracious enough to ignore that criticism which is unfair.
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