How To Respond to Criticism

How To Respond to Criticism

What are we to do when we’re condemned by others? We are all going to be unfairly judged. So we’d better address how to deal with it.

It’s so easy for us to be defensive and lash out. Hurt people hurt people. But you don’t have to. You can break the cycle.  Here’s how: Ignore or Confront… but Forgive and Bless.

Let’s draw this out a bit…

Ignore
Nehemiah didn’t stop his work on the wall to confront those who unfairly spread lies about him. Maybe this is the tactic the Father has for you. Ask Him and obey what He says. But be careful if its in your personality to avoid conflict because you may just be assuming the Father is telling you to ignore it.  

Confront
Jesus confronted the religious leaders of the day when they said it was by satan that He was casting out demons. Perhaps it serves the Father’s purpose for you to confront.  Don’t do this because you enjoy it. You’re in the wrong place if you enjoy putting someone in his or her place. Still, don’t back away if the Father tells you to stand.

Forgive
We’re taught to forgive others for our sake, not for theirs. When we forgive others, Christ can forgive us. 

Bless them
    Let’s let the words of Paul to the church in Rome expand this concept:

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,
   “I will take revenge;
      I will pay them back,”
      says the Lord.
Instead,
   “If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
      If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
   In doing this, you will heap
      burning coals of shame on their heads.”
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
Romans 12:18-21 (New Living Translation)