#369 Dealing with Reaction to Criticism Part 3
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” A Sister shared in testimony: “Lord I am really weak in this area, but You are strong. Your strength is made perfect in weakness. You will give me the strength I need. The battle is the Lord’s.”
Philippians 4:13 ;2 Corinthians 12:9-10; 2 Chronicles 20:15
I realize that one reason I am so sensitive to criticism is because I tend to be very critical of myself.
Satan is the Accuser. He is never an advocate of constructive criticism! As the adversary and the opposer he seeks to destroy and devour us. 1 Peter 5:8 One of his techniques can be Destructive Criticism. We need to be careful not to ‘bite and devour one another’ because it is destructive. Galatians 5:15 Well, we can also do that to ourselves. We must be careful in how we give criticism to others as well as to ourselves, and how we take criticism. The goal is to have the experience be constructive and helpful. Galatians 6:2; principle of Romans 15:2: we want the effect to be for good, promoting growth. This requires being objective and not minimizing or exaggerating the issue. Again it is practicing the balance of not taking things too lightly (minimizing) AND not taking things so seriously (a form of exaggeration) that we faint and get discouraged. Hebrews 12:5
It is our challenge to not let criticism from others or from ourselves define who we are. We are His Workmanship. Ephesians 2:10 We are His children. “See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God's children—and so, in fact, we are.” 1 John 3:1 (GNTD) When we define ourselves by our failings we exaggerate the sin and minimize His love and forgiveness. “Whom the Father loves he disciplines…” Hebrews 12:6 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9, Psalm 103:12-14; Isaiah 57:14 He DELIGHTS to revive the heart of the contrite!
Another Sister shared: “When we have put on Christ and our heart, mind, thoughts, etc. are directly on Him, then no matter what is said...good or bad....it doesn't penetrate that protection of Christ (the armour) ....it keeps our heart and mind humble (when 'complimented') and teachable/humbled as well, (when 'criticized')....It also teaches us to gain the 4 quarter marks of love...and to love our 'enemies'.”
“I have found that… the Lord sends little 'love notes' for my admonition if needing correction of heart or mind...and sometimes it is by criticism....”
Consider criticism and challenge a ‘love note’ from the Lord!
O LORD, lead us! We want to choose to be thankful for these experiences, for their lessons, for forgiveness that is ours in Christ and for the cleansing opportunity that failing can create!
1 John 1:9
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” A Sister shared in testimony: “Lord I am really weak in this area, but You are strong. Your strength is made perfect in weakness. You will give me the strength I need. The battle is the Lord’s.”
Philippians 4:13 ;2 Corinthians 12:9-10; 2 Chronicles 20:15
I realize that one reason I am so sensitive to criticism is because I tend to be very critical of myself.
Satan is the Accuser. He is never an advocate of constructive criticism! As the adversary and the opposer he seeks to destroy and devour us. 1 Peter 5:8 One of his techniques can be Destructive Criticism. We need to be careful not to ‘bite and devour one another’ because it is destructive. Galatians 5:15 Well, we can also do that to ourselves. We must be careful in how we give criticism to others as well as to ourselves, and how we take criticism. The goal is to have the experience be constructive and helpful. Galatians 6:2; principle of Romans 15:2: we want the effect to be for good, promoting growth. This requires being objective and not minimizing or exaggerating the issue. Again it is practicing the balance of not taking things too lightly (minimizing) AND not taking things so seriously (a form of exaggeration) that we faint and get discouraged. Hebrews 12:5
It is our challenge to not let criticism from others or from ourselves define who we are. We are His Workmanship. Ephesians 2:10 We are His children. “See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God's children—and so, in fact, we are.” 1 John 3:1 (GNTD) When we define ourselves by our failings we exaggerate the sin and minimize His love and forgiveness. “Whom the Father loves he disciplines…” Hebrews 12:6 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9, Psalm 103:12-14; Isaiah 57:14 He DELIGHTS to revive the heart of the contrite!
Another Sister shared: “When we have put on Christ and our heart, mind, thoughts, etc. are directly on Him, then no matter what is said...good or bad....it doesn't penetrate that protection of Christ (the armour) ....it keeps our heart and mind humble (when 'complimented') and teachable/humbled as well, (when 'criticized')....It also teaches us to gain the 4 quarter marks of love...and to love our 'enemies'.”
“I have found that… the Lord sends little 'love notes' for my admonition if needing correction of heart or mind...and sometimes it is by criticism....”
Consider criticism and challenge a ‘love note’ from the Lord!
O LORD, lead us! We want to choose to be thankful for these experiences, for their lessons, for forgiveness that is ours in Christ and for the cleansing opportunity that failing can create!
1 John 1:9
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