Criticism
Criticism can be
destructive.
It's in the Bible, Galatians 5:15, NIV. "If you keep on
biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed
by each other."
Criticism of
others often covers the need for self-criticism.
It's in the Bible,
Matthew 7:1-5, TLB. "Don't criticize, and then you won't be
criticized. For others will treat you as you treat them. And why
worry about a speck in the eye of a brother when you have a board in
your own? Should you say, 'Friend, let me help you get that speck
out of your eye,' when you can’t even see because of the board in
your own? Hypocrite! First get rid of the board. Then you can see to
help your brother."
Satan has another name called the
"accuser." It is in the Bible, Revelation 12:10b, "For the
accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and
night, has been hurled down." Satan was hurled to the earth,
then he has been sowing the seeds of accusation, criticism, and
malice everywhere, especially within the Church of God to attack the
faithful believers.
Willingness to
forgive is a part of constructive criticism.
It's in the Bible, Luke 17:3, NIV. "So watch yourselves.
If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him."
Be careful about
your criticism.
It's in the Bible, Romans 14:1, TLB. "Give a warm
welcome to any brother who wants to join you, even though his faith
is weak. Don't criticize him for having different ideas from yours
about what is right and wrong."
Those who give
it—get it.
It's in the Bible, Luke 6:37-38, TLB. "Never criticize
or condemn—or it will all come back on you. Go easy on others; then
they will do the same for you. For if you give, you will get!"
Christians will
wisely learn from valid constructive criticism.
It's in the Bible,
Proverbs 9:8-9, TLB. "If you rebuke a mocker, you will only get a
smart retort; yes, he will snarl at you. So don't bother with him;
he will only hate you for trying to help him. But a wise man, when
rebuked, will love you all the more. Teach a wise man, and he will
be wiser; teach a good man, and he will learn more."
The best
protection against criticism is a clear conscience.
It's in the Bible, I
Peter 3:16, NIV. "Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who
speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be
ashamed of their slander."