Embracing Criticism

“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, and criticize their faults-unless of course you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own.” (Matthew 7:1-2 MSG)

Perhaps some people really think they are being helpful when they point out someone else flaws or what they are doing wrong, but communicated in the wrong way they can have the opposite impact of what they may have intended. I am probably an example of one of the worst people to accept criticism; I immediately get defensive and the walls go up! Regardless of how justified someone’s criticism may be to them, it can feel like a personal attack and put me in a negative frame of mind and have a negative effect.

However……

We can learn to receive personal criticism in a God-honoring way. Instead of being defensive or resentful about the criticism we receive, we can appreciate it and welcome the opportunities it (could) bring. It’s possible that there is a grain of truth in what is being said, and only by patiently listening will we either benefit from it or correct any misunderstandings. It’s important to try to keep in mind that every criticism is just someone else’s opinion and if we’re doing what we know to be right there’s no reason to fear or reject the criticism of others.

The best way to handle criticism from others……

Don’t take it personally~

Maintain an attitude of humility~

Give an honest ear and look for seeds of truth that allows personal growth~

Consider it as a source of honest feedback, but don’t dwell on it~

Don’t harbor a grudge and treat them with kindness~

I have learned that often the best response is no response; we don’t need to justify ourselves to everyone who disagrees with us. God made us who we are with both the gifts and the rough edges; He wants us to grow, but He also loves us the way we are. We don’t need to be a slave to the opinion of others, impress or look for their approval, and we don’t need to tear ourselves down when someone else criticizes us. A good example to keep before us is the Lord himself; He was criticized by his own family and even his disciples who often misunderstood him and challenged his motives. But He responded with patient teaching, love, and forgiveness. We can’t always control what other people will say to us, or whether they’ll approve of how we act, but we can control how we internalize it. Our response should be graceful and humble, and then we can release it and move on. We should listen to criticism and advice and learn from it, but also live and act true to what we know is right, honorable, and valuable.

"I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me." (1 Corinthians 4:3-4)