But we are not animals. We are human beings, and we love to criticize. Sometimes I wonder where the urge to criticize everything and everyone comes from. Do we do it to justify our own behavior, maybe?
Landslide of criticism
The recent military efforts by the USA and Israël to destroy terrorist strongholds in Iran and Lebanon, for example, have created a landslide of criticism. At least here in Europe, where we, of course, do absolutely nothing to fight evil and secure safety for our citizens.
Okay, so I am criticizing our leaders right now. See? We all do it, all the time. You may think all you want about what is going on in the Middle East. But let's stay closer to home for a moment.
Christians criticizing christians
Christians criticizing Christians... absolutely the worst kind if you ask me. It's thriving on social media, I noticed. Believers criticizing other believers, denominations, churches, movements, authors, preachers, musicians, and so on.
Let's stop it. Let's kill the urge to criticize and work on unity instead. James 4:11 says: Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you.
Two seconds
James is not talking about positive feedback or constructive criticism here, which we all need in order to grow. He is talking about criticism that destroys. It takes two seconds to think before we say something. I want (and need) to practice those two seconds. What about you?
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Honest words can be painful, but what do your criticisms amount to?
[Job 6:25]
➤ You might enjoy my post 'Give me a W.'
I'm going to make sure I take those two seconds before I dish out criticism, Marja. And we should definitely NOT be critical of or harsh to our fellow Christians. Let's offer positive and uplifting words instead. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteYes! Let's offer positive and uplifting words... as you always do on your blog Martha Jane, thank you!
DeleteAh yes, Marja, you are so right! My husband and I were talking about criticism recently, and how easy it is to slip into it sometimes. Being ever mindful of my words, thoughts, and motivations is helpful but I have yet to absolutely avoid every bit of criticism. Working on it (among other things!) and trusting for His daily continued wisdom and revelation. Thank you for this timely reminder and for your consistent, loving encouragement in the Word.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words and comment on this post Karen. Somehow criticism comes easier than encouragement, but with His help we can change our words. I am going to practice the 2-seconds a bit more!
DeleteGreat devotion about criticism. Glad you posted this. Let's encourage everyone especially fellow Christians.
ReplyDeleteIt is our calling to encourage one another, that is why I enjoy the blogging community! Thanks for stopping by Brenda Kay.
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