Listen to Audio Devotion

How do we deal with criticism? There are some good forms of criticism, like constructive feedback, which is good. But there’s another form of criticism that is dangerous because it can discourage, demotivate, and even kill our passion.

How can deal with such criticism?

There are three ways:

1. Make yourself Stronger
   1. So that you can withstand such criticism. Because it is bound to happen. There’s nothing you and I can do about it.
      
      
2. Learn to ignore
   1. Ignoring is one of the best ways, because when you are not giving them any room in your mind. Often people who criticise live rent-free in our mind.
      
      
3. Learn to Respond at the right time in the right way
   1. There will come a time when you have to respond to what the critics say. Wait for that time and when you have an opportunity, use that to share your thoughts, views, and clarifications in the right way. Don’t use that to show anger but use that to clarify in the way you can help people understand.
      
      

But here’s the thing, for people who criticise to destroy, no explanation is sufficient. So responding or answering can make things worse but don’t worry about it. Leave it to the LORD and he will deal with them.

The Bible reminds us this way,

James 5:9 NIV
Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Sometimes, we may be the person who criticizes, we may be that person who speaks those harsh words that discourage and demotivate people. We must avoid such behavior because this form of criticism is a judgment that we pass on people.

Matthew 7:1–2 NIV
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Let’s Pray

Father, we pray that you help us deal with harsh criticism and keep us from criticizing or judging others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.