Handling Criticism—Giving or Receiving
Be Strong, Be Well — Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Criticism is not handled very well sometimes. People are hesitant to criticize others for fear of being labeled judgmental or worse. Being on the receiving end of criticism is not very pleasant either.
With no criticism we would never learn. We need to criticize when someone is doing wrong. We need to receive the same if we are guilty of wrongdoing. Accountability is a good thing.
In the book of Proverbs, the wise man presented some truths about giving and receiving criticism.
“Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you” (9:8). “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid” (12:1). “The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding” (15:31, 32).
When it comes to criticism, we should consider a couple of rules. First, criticism should be guided by scripture (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 1 Peter 4:11). Second, criticism should be spoken in love, with kindness and consideration (Galatians 6:1; Ephesian 4:15; Romans 14:19).
By giving and receiving criticism graciously, Christians will be able to teach others how to handle being on either side of criticism. —Chris