Do I Really Need This Criticism?

 September 28, 2024

Saturday

We have all suffered through criticism. Most of us don't know how to handle it. We may know that the criticism is valid but it still stings. Some of us try to reject the criticisms we receive. We make excuses for our actions. We see the criticisms as a rejection of who we are. We would much rather have praises with which we could try to appear humble than have criticism that reveals our true self of pride.

Not all criticism is constructive. Those who merely criticize and leave are attempting to hurt us. They don't want us to recover. Recovering might reveal they are wrong. They want to hurt us. They probably succeeded.

There are some things that we can't change. We simply do not have the capability. The idea that we can do anything is not true. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us but we can do nothing apart from Christ. God did not call us to do everything. He called us to do what He called us to do. It is only here that we can claim His strength because He will not give us strength to work without Him.

Each criticism whether that which hurts or that which is intended to help must be evaluated. What can we take from it that will improve what we are doing? What changes need to be made? Where do we go from here? Is this really what God wants us to do?

Maybe we headed out on our own without God. Maybe we made promises without knowing that God would help fulfill those promises. Maybe we need to go to God and ask Him what we should do.

If all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purposes, then criticism can play an important part in the reshaping of what we do.

The point is: Stop and take a breath. Reevaluate. Turn what appears to be bad into the good that God can do through it. Start by thanking God for the criticism. It kept us humble if nothing else. It may have showed our faith for we may be criticized for something that God led us to do. Then, make a new commitment to the Lord. Rejoice for He is faithful.

Proverbs 27:6 (GW)⁶ Wounds made by a friend are intended to help,  but an enemy’s kisses are too much to bear.