Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
The Cure for Criticism
Today's Verse:
Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. ~Psalm 119:41-42
How do you deal with those who criticize you? That is a tough question! Most of us probably don’t handle criticism very well. In Psalm 119, the psalmist frequently speaks of people who reproached him. I think he had people in his life who made it their goal to make him miserable. They always liked to point out what he did wrong. This morning, we are looking at how the psalmist dealt with criticism in his life.
There is the discouragement from criticism.
Criticism can be very discouraging. We do not know what to say when we are being criticized (v. 42). We pray that our critics would be taken away (v. 22). We are intimidated by criticism. Criticism can be harsh and hurtful. First, let us be sure that we are not the ones who are being critical. A critical spirit is indicative of pride. A critical spirit is the evidence of an unthankful heart. A critical spirit is indicative of a warped and unbiblical concept of God. Oftentimes, a critical spirit is indicative of someone who was abused as a child or teen, was rejected by others, and is retaliatory towards anyone who does not meet their approval. A critical spirit is a spiritual bully who puts down other people. Criticism can be very discouraging.
There is the dependence in criticism.
In spite of the ill effects of criticism, God gives us hope and assurance. Criticism teaches us to depend upon the Lord. First, we must rest in His mercies every day. Even though our critics don’t think highly of us, I am thankful that God is merciful and has pity on us. Second, we must thank the Lord daily that we are saved. The fact that we are saved is a reminder of how good God is and how undeserving we are of anything good that we have. Third, criticism compels us to read and study God’s Word. We are moved to God’s Word to find a word that will encourage us along the way. The psalmist had no one to complain to other than the Lord. Thus, he learned to lean upon the Word for his spirituality and his sanity.
There is the deflection of criticism.
We can best deflect criticism by learning how to respond to it. “So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me.” As tempting as it may appear, we need special grace to be silent or to know how to answer our critics. Sometimes the best thing to say to your critic is, “Thank you for caring enough to tell me what you just said. I will take this under consideration for changes I may need to make.” In all situations, we must learn to request our critics to pray with us and for us. Then, let the Lord vindicate your motive and spirit.
There is the demonstration in criticism.
As we depend upon God’s Word and wisdom to deflect the criticism, we must demonstrate that we are more than conquerors. First, don’t let criticism place you in bondage. “I will walk at liberty.” Second, we must determine to increase our witness for Christ. “I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.” Third, we must stay in God’s Word for our peace of mind and direction. “And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.” God’s Word will give us counsel, comfort, and continuance.
Don’t let your critics get the best of you. Let the example of the psalmist lead you into having a loving and victorious attitude when you are criticized.
Have a peaceful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 126-132
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