Dealing With Criticism
Today's Verse:
Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: ~1 Peter 2:23
Criticism is when someone has very frank and negative things to say about another person’s actions, character, work, or decisions. Most criticism tends to be destructive, hurtful, and intentional. The person on the receiving end is first shocked, then goes into denial, and more often than not, becomes retaliatory. The person being criticized will feel a need to defend himself and may react with words that are harsh and hurtful as well. In the end, two people who verbally attack each other only deepen the wounds and come away with intense animosity towards each other. This morning, the Lord gives a powerful way in which to deal with our critics. In fact, this strategy enables us to stop the criticism and silence our critics. Let us see how we can silence the critics in our life.
We see Christ is our Savior.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Savior for all men. 1 Peter 2:21 tells us that Christ suffered for us. 1 Peter 3:18 tells us that "Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit." Being our Savior meant that Christ had to suffer, bleed, be crucified, and die for every sinner. Jesus did all of this voluntarily. Jesus did all of this sacrificially. He took our place and tasted death for every man. As Savior, He humbled himself to become like us in human flesh, yet without sin, to endure all the indignities and trauma for us. He endured such contradiction of sinners for us. He did this because He loved us. Oh, what a Savior!
We see Christ Who was scorned.
He was reviled. Read the gospel accounts, and He was railed upon, cursed at, defamed, falsely accused, called wicked names, criticized, and vilified. If that was you or me, we probably would have retaliated with similar words and even actions of violence. Can you imagine the hardness of man’s unbelief that the Son of God was harshly criticized? He was called a blasphemer. He was called a liar and a fake. He was called an insurrectionist against the government and the Jews. He was criticized by people whom He tried to help. The words He heard cut into His heart as it does with us. Surely, He was despised and rejected of men!
We see Christ Who was silent.
How did Christ deal with His critics? He reviled not again! He kept silent. He answered not a word. He maintained a spirit of meekness throughout His entire ordeal. How do we deal with our critics? The same way Jesus did. Do not respond to angry words. Do not answer foolish statements and accusations. Do not respond to angry and critical email messages, text messages, or verbal attacks. All of us carry two buckets with us. One bucket contains water; the other contains gasoline. When you are attacked, which bucket should you throw on the fire? We must die to self and keep silent when criticism arises. Christ reviled not again.
We see Christ Who is our standard.
We are to follow the steps and standard of our Lord when criticism comes to us. If you are doing anything for the Lord, you will be criticized. Let your actions, work, and results do the talking. Maintain a Christ-like disposition. Pray for them who despitefully use you. Be bigger than the criticism instead of the criticism becoming bigger than you.
Criticism cannot be avoided. However, criticism can be silenced. If you are reviled, revile not again. Consider Christ in His example, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Have a victorious God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Ezekiel 34-36
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