From our earliest childhood years, we can remember words of criticism. They may have come from a sibling, a parent, a teacher, a relative, a friend, or someone else. That criticism made such a profound impact on you that you remember it to this day.
Sorry to say, but criticisms have followed you through your entire life. It seems that no matter where you go or who you are around, criticism seems to follow.
You try your hardest, but at times you find yourself as the one who is critical. Before thinking, those words just seem to come right out of your mouth. No amount of apologizing seems to help. It is too late. The words have been said. “The quickest way to get in water over your head is to tell someone he’s all wet” (William Arthur Ward). Often, by just telling the truth, the words you say are offensive to others.
Jesus asks His disciples if they would leave Him. “But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord to whom do we go? You have the word of eternal life. Also, we have come to believe and know that you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (John 6:68, 69). As we let those words come to dwell within us and to be lived by us, criticism will not be a part of your life. Stop. Think deeply on those last few words. Criticism leaves you when you realized that living for Christ gives you eternal life. And those words of eternal life come from “the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Avoiding criticizing others, completely, may never happen. You can minimize the amount of criticisms you make, by letting it sink in that Christ is the Son of God. As you live your life for Christ, just know that it will temper your words. In that way you will avoid criticism!
