Facing Criticism

I know we’ve spoken on this before but, after having a little bit of a challenging week myself, I thought it might be a good topic to bring up again this morning and remind everyone of how God would have us handle these situations.

No one has ever said, “It’s so easy being a Christian.” Especially in the society we live in today. As Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we are always subject to criticism. We are watched, listened to and questioned about many things… both our actions and our words.

The things that our Lord would ask us to do in these situations are clearly outlined in the Bible. One of the best examples is in…

James 1:19 – “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak and Slow to Anger

“Be quick to listen” – This can be a challenge for all of us. As human beings, once “attacked,” we want to lash-out. Our emotions are heightened and the first thing we want to do is contradict our challengers.

To be quick to hear means we really do try and listen to and consider what the other person is saying. We can’t just put aside what others have to say even if it seems unwarranted, we need to hear them out. This is simple respect… and we’re not always right in our own thinking.

 “Be slow to speak” – Let them finish what they’re saying, even if your emotions are bursting to spew out of you… here them. When they have finished what they are trying to say… only then, once you’ve calmed your heart and prepared your response, speak as you must.

“Be slow to become angry” As we just read, “human anger does not produce the righteousness of God.” Responding in anger is never the right thing as we simply are not thinking clearly and will, most likely, say the wrong things. Remember, God is slow to anger, patient and long-suffering with those who offend him. How much more should we be.

Retaliation

How difficult is it for us to curb our anger once provoked? We’re human… and sometimes, unfortunately, we are filled with too much pride. When someone steps on our toes, our first reaction is to “stomp” on theirs!

Our Lord and Savior suffered much criticism during His time in our world. He was questioned and berated constantly by those with jealous hearts and the “non-believers” of His time… and, in the end, beaten, spit upon and ruthlessly nailed to a cross without mercy.

Jesus is the Son of God! Imagine the great powers He could have called upon to rebuke His enemies. He could have called on legions of Angels to do battle for Him… and He would have certainly prevailed.

But no. This is not how our Lord responded when those against Him challenged Him harshly.

1 Peter 2:23 – “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”

Yes, He trusted in the only one who is worthy of judgement, His Father in Heaven. He knew, with great faith, His Father… in the end, would not abandon Him.

A Gentle Response

This is another difficult task for us today. When we are criticized, questioned and “taken off guard,” Our first reaction is anger. We want to fight, raise our hands up and do battle, whether physically or verbally, to defend ourselves. But this is not the way our God would have us respond.

Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Have you ever been involved in a “heated argument” where the noise level rose above 10 decibels? Emotions were running wild and anger was on the rise.

Try responding as Jesus did with kindness and compassion. Speak softly and notice how others will calm their words as they struggle to hear what you are saying over the raging turmoil around them. In doing this, you force them to pay closer attention and hear you. But again… “a gentle response.”

Defend Yourself Slowly

With all we have just spoken about, remember to defend yourself slowly and consider what has been said even if it was said in the wrong manner, Try and take into consideration exactly what they were trying to say and not so much the words that came out of their mouths.

Proverbs 15:32 – “Those who disregard discipline despise themselves but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.”

Criticism typically comes quickly and without thought. Remember not to respond in like fashion but as our Lord would have had He been, which He always is, sitting by your side.

We Have Blind Spots

Once again, we are human and, therefore, not perfect. We can’t always see ourselves accurately. Maybe this person is seeing something you can’t see about yourself.

We all have our faults (our sins). As James told us in…

James 5:16 – “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Our Church

Here we are sitting at church. Our humble little setting to spread the word of God to those wanting, and in need of, hearing the good news.

Let’s face it… we’re at a bar! Okay, as Spyder has said in the past, realistically, “we’re sitting out back behind a bar!” Nonetheless, there are those that criticize us for praising God in such an environment.

Here we sit in fellowship, drinking, smoking and listening to God’s word. Are we doing anything wrong? Who is to judge? Not us, but God.

Who remembers what Jesus said about “what defiles a man?”

Matthew 15:10-11 – “Jesus called the crowd to him and said, ‘Listen and understand. What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.’”

If we choose to defile our own bodies, we’re given that option. If we “over-do” these things and start behaving as God would frown upon then, yes, we would be in the wrong and our critics would be justified in their accusations.

I, personally, have not seen such behavior from our people. As a matter of fact, I’ve seen nothing but kindness and compassion from all those that attend here. Can this not be witnessed, most recently, how we stood for Parkland? How we rode together, prayed together and did whatever we could to comfort those who suffered?

Colossians 2:16 – “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.”

To those that criticize us for our environment, I feel responsible to remind them of what Jesus said in Matthew, one of my favorite verses and what we have stitched on our vests.

Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

We ARE a church and we DO praise God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit with all our hearts, mind and body.

Reading God’s Word

Here is a big one for me. As you may recall, Brother Joe and I went through several changes in trying to build this church. Of course, not for personal gain or praise, but to honor God and spread the Gospel.

During this process, and still to this day, we receive much criticism about how we may quote the Bible or how we present our lessons.

• I, write Bible verses down on sheets of paper amongst sincere words that come from my heart. Are these verses still not from the Gospel and am I not trying to display my compassion for God?
• Brother Joe, often reads Bible verses from pamphlets or fliers from Calvary Church. These are handed-out to inspire motivation in people and give them courage and hope. Are they not still from the Bible?
• Brother Spyder likes to prepare and read from his notebook or tablet. Is not still quoting scripture from the Bible? Is he not doing right in glorifying God in the best way he can?

I’d like to ask Brother Joe to open his Bible and go to 2 Timothy 3:16-17 which I have conveniently marked with a paper-clip for him. Brother Joe, would you please read these verses to us from your Bible?

My turn…

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Hmmm… seems to say the same thing, doesn’t it? Have we both not just read Scripture from the Bible?

Joe, would you please hold-up that page from your Bible and show everyone? What is that? A page? What does a page consist of… is it not simply a “piece of paper?”

We have a job to do! Jesus told us so as is written in Matthew.

Matthew 28:19-20 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

I tell all those that criticize…

I adore the Bible; I treasure the word of God; I have nothing but Love and Compassion for Him, The Son and The Holy Spirit. I will do anything within my strength, within my body and soul to spread this word to those in need and bring hope and good cheer for anyone who’s faith may be faltering

Whether these words come from a printed volume of the Bible or hand-written on a single sheet of paper… these are words from our Lord!

• I will read them from a Bible
• I will write them on a sheet of paper
• I will post them on a social media page or web site
• I will write them down on a chalkboard or..
• I will paint them on the side of a barn

I only want to spread The Word… for all to see, for all those discouraged or downhearted for these ARE the lessons from our Father in Heaven and I WILL deliver them in any mode or fashion I find that will reach all that need to hear!

Pray About the Criticisms

As always, and certainly not last on the way we should handle criticism, we need to pray for our critics and ask our God for strength for He reminds us…

Psalm 32:8 – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

When we face criticism, remember these words. We are not alone in our battles. Trust in Him; believe He is there beside us and, understand, when we act according to how we have been instructed… we will not be defeated!

Lastly, Consider the Source

I know, this is an all too common saying, “Consider the Source!” Let’s face it though, it certainly applies in most of our battles.

Do your best to understand what your critics are trying to say. Perhaps they have a point that they simply aren’t conveying properly and causing anger in your heart.

Interpret their words; analyze them closely and think whether or not they may, in fact, have a valid point that you should consider thinking about.

Also, with compassion, remember they may not have the same heart as you. They may not know our God as closely as you do… and, perhaps, it’s a jealousy thing and they simply want to hear. As Jesus said in Matthew 11:15 – “Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

In Closing

We will face criticism. Expect it and don’t be surprised. Be prepared and act as God would have us. “Quick to listen; slow to speak; and slow to anger.” Keep your response gentle and with compassion and understanding… and know, God is with us!

Go with God; be good to one another; always stay humble; always be kind… God Bless!