CRITICS AND CRITICISMS

Good day all! Allow me to share something that I have written down a long time ago. Today, I will be talking about CRITICS and CRITICISMS! Here we go!

To be criticized can be hurting; we must therefore learn to live with critics and criticism. Do not entertain criticism, stay on track, focus! Why people criticize? Here are reasons why they do criticize people:

1. They have critical spirits. People moan, groan and complain about something. People blame their problems on somebody else. Critical people view others through their own dirty glasses! They become angry at what they perceive to be dirt on other people, when in reality they are looking at others through the dirt of their own hearts!

2. Some people criticize because they don't know the whole story. Critical person refuses to see life from any perspective, other than his own.

3. Some people criticize because it makes them feel better about themselves. The critic usually has a terrible self-image/ low self esteem. This is usually done by character assassination and slandering. We never vindicate ourselves by destroying somebody else. We vindicate ourselves by doing God's work.

4. Some people criticize because it is easier to complain about problems than to solve them.

5. Some people criticize because the person is godly. 2 Timothy 3:12 says "Yes, and all who desire to live a life godly in Jesus Christ will suffer persecution."

6. Some people criticize because a 'real fault' needs correcting. There is truth to be learned in every criticism if we'll listen. In every criticism, there is some grain of truth. We can take a positive action to deal with criticisms that may be hurled against us.

How do we respond to criticism?

1. View your critics as being sent from God. When someone criticizes us the first thing we should ask is: God, what are you trying to teach me through this? Jesus taught us how to respond to criticism in Luke 6:22 "Blessed are you when men have you. And they exclude you. And revile you, and cause out your name as evil. For the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!"

2. Find the grain of truth in the criticism. When we are criticized, we can use the critics to our advantage. Proverbs 15:31-32 says “He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.”

3. Don't retaliate or counter-criticize your critics. Jesus didn't defend Himself against false accusations. Instead He entrusted Himself to the One who judges righteously.
4. Don't allow critics to discourage you. 1 Corinthians 4:5 says “Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the LORD comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s heart. At that time each will receive his praise from God.” We need to learn to ignore hurtful critic and focus on what the LORD wants us to do. Instead of sawing words from His sign.

I hope you understood and benefited from these words here! Have a nice day and remember to put a smile on your face wherever you go no matter what the circumstances life may give you! =)