CRITICISM

“Let all things be done unto edifying.”

1 Corinthians 14:26

What can we do when we are criticized? First, we can deeply resent the criticism. We do not deserve the criticism, and the person is entirely wrong. And we may be right, but letting our hatred turn to poison in our heart brings only suffering.

Second, we can lash out at the one who criticizes us. If we believe we are right, and our actions need no defense, let them speak for themselves. Lives of great men show that they seldom stopped to the level of their critics. They knew what they were doing, and kept at their task and did not lose time by answering criticisms.

The next choice is to analyze the criticism. Look at it carefully, and try to sit out the personal bias. Try to determine what is bias and what is truth.

Is it possible that the criticism was meant to be constructive – and we can profit a great deal from it. This leads to another choice. To learn from the criticism. Regardless of how it was given, is there something that we can learn from it? Look at the criticism carefully. If you were wrong, it takes a big man to acknowledge it, but we must do it.

The last choice is to simply to forget the criticism. Sometimes this is the best course of action. If we know we are right, forget it. Do not let criticism make us vindictive. There will be times when others may not understand us.

Let God’s Word, the Bible, provide the guideline for our life. Then, regardless which way the winds of criticism may blow, let us stay with our convictions. Just analyze and profit from criticism, then forget it.