–Edited from the Plains Baptist Challenger
Ultimately, our goal is to please God and magnify Christ. So if we care more about what God thinks of us, instead of what people think of us, we are going to be criticized. Proverbs 29:25 tells us that, “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” When we fear God, He supplies us with the understanding we need to make sense of why we are receiving criticism. It may be a part of our trial of faith; a part of God’s refining process, or even just a part of serving the Lord. Surviving criticism depends a lot upon who you fear the most! David said, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” Psalm 118:6
Whenever we receive criticism, it is best to give the benefit of the doubt to the critic before over-reacting—they may have a point. For instance, when we receive a criticism, it is crucial to ask, “Are these statements justified and are they true?” Never presume that you are always right! Often it is not our response to criticism that is wrong; it is the way we react towards the critic. The best thing to do when receiving criticism is to immediately evaluate it by the Word of God and begin praying, “Lord, keep my heart open to the truth and I will change if you reveal the way to me.” Remember, the truth shall make you free, even if at first it makes you miserable. Allow criticism to grow you spiritually!
One of the most important points to apply is, “treat the critic better than they deserve.” God loves mercy and He delights in the merciful (Micah 6:8, Matthew 5:7). Some critics are just complainers, nitpickers, and gripers; yet God says to have mercy on them. Too often, we feel the urge to win the argument, but I have learned that I may win the argument and lose the relationship. People are more important than arguments. Sometimes criticism just doesn’t deserve, or maybe even need, an answer.
Christian, let criticisms make you better, not bitter. Too often we sit around waiting for those who have given offense to come and say they are sorry. Remember, no one was saying they were sorry at the foot of the cross, and yet mercy and forgiveness were freely offered—“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” You never know what God can produce in your life through criticism.
“There is much in the world to make us afraid, but there is so much more in our faith to make us unafraid.”
SHARING
