1 Peter 3:9; says, "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." Hmmm! Ralph Waldo Emerson was very astute in his observation when he pointed out that, "In every man there is something of which I may learn of him, and in that he is my teacher." When it comes to those who criticize us the most, what Emerson says is so true. They may be prejudiced and so often miss the mark by overstating their case. The cutting statements they make about us will obviously make the anger in is boil or even arouse a natural antagonism toward them. But when you look at what they say, their comments may contain a grain of truth. If nothing else, their criticisms should remind us that perhaps our actions and motives do not appear as pure and worthy to others as we think they are.
It is natural in us all to have a tendency to want to retaliate when someone questions our motives and our actions. But the Scriptures tell us to respond differently. Take Matthew 5:38-48; for instance or Romans 12:17-21; You should look them up yourself they are too long to insert here. We are instructed to pray for those who criticize us, and we are to bless them, not only because it's right but also because we may learn something from them that will help us become better persons.
I would suggest that if you really want to be a wise person, listen to your critics. Adverse or negative remarks could be a blessing in disguise if you take a positive attitude and derive from them a new understanding of your own shortcomings.
The response we make to our critics is really a judgment on our own character. I used to justify myself, and frame some alibi. But now I listen to my critics and all the harder I try! Our critics are the unpaid guardians of our souls Corrie Ten Boom once said.
Go ahead, let them criticize, and no, you do not need to accept the criticism, but you should at least take the time to see if there is something there to learn that will help you. How do you feel when someone criticizes you? Post your comment.
Have a blessed day.
I would suggest that if you really want to be a wise person, listen to your critics. Adverse or negative remarks could be a blessing in disguise if you take a positive attitude and derive from them a new understanding of your own shortcomings.
The response we make to our critics is really a judgment on our own character. I used to justify myself, and frame some alibi. But now I listen to my critics and all the harder I try! Our critics are the unpaid guardians of our souls Corrie Ten Boom once said.
Go ahead, let them criticize, and no, you do not need to accept the criticism, but you should at least take the time to see if there is something there to learn that will help you. How do you feel when someone criticizes you? Post your comment.
Have a blessed day.
Pastor Bob
No comments:
Post a Comment