When I was a teenager, a family joined our congregation. The wife was quiet, but the husband was loud, critical, and overbearing. I was standing nearby one Sunday morning when he stormed up to the pastor and verbally attacked him for something he had said in the sermon. The man’s voice was loud, his tone disrespectful.
The pastor didn’t do what I expected. He spoke softly, thanked the critic for his insights, and promised to think through the issue again.
Later, I asked my pastor why he didn’t argue right back. He gave me some valuable advice I still try to follow. He said, "Every piece of criticism can be helpful. God may be in it and if He is, I need to hear what He’s saying. The critic just might be right."
When someone criticizes you, here are some biblical principles to follow: First, don’t respond in anger (PROVERBS 15:1). It will only accelerate the tension between you. Second, realize that you have been presented with a golden opportunity to model Christlike behavior – love, unselfishness, humility, and concern for others (PHILIPPIANS 2:1-4). Third, the critic may be right; you may need to change. A wise person welcomes advice (PROVERBS 9:8-9).
Treat a critic as a friend, and you both win. – David Egner
If criticism comes your way,
Consider its intent;
It may be that some truth from God
To you is being sent. – Dennis J. De Haan
READ: PROVERBS 15:1-12
Criticism is a good teacher if we are willing to learn from it.