When you think back in your life to the first criticism you remember, you go back in time to when you were a young child. Children seem to be some of the most critical people around. Sorry to say, the criticisms you experienced did not end with your childhood. Critical comments come your way more often than you would like.
You meet critical people, more often than not, than you would like to run across them. Linus had his security blanket in place and his thumb resting safely in his mouth, but he was trouble. Turning to Lucy, who was sitting next to him, he asked, “Why are you so anxious to criticize me?” Her response was typical: “I just think that I have a knack for seeing other people’s faults.” Exasperated, Linus threw his hands up and asked, “What about your own faults?” Without hesitation, Lucy explained, “I have a knack for overlooking them.” Ha! Ha! It is funny to you, because you know deep inside that Lucy’s answer fits so well with people who criticize others.
For the Christian, criticism should be foreign to the way you talk to others. In fact, Scripture condemns such behavior. In discussing the way you are to speak to others, the Word of God is very specific: “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person” (Colossians 4:6). Notice, how your words should be viewed with another person – “with grace” and “with salt.” “With grace” means to be encouraging and uplifting. “With salt” means to bring out what is best in others.
Keep from being critical to others, and when others are critical to you, remember to use words “with grace” and “with salt.” Handle criticism with positive words!
