Handling Criticism the Right Way (2)

“Christ…while being reviled…did not revile in return.” 1Pe 2:21-23 NAS

When it comes to handling criticism the right way you must: (1) Demonstrate emotional and spiritual maturity. Exhaustion can affect the way you act when you’re under pressure. Elijah slipped into depression because of it. Queen Jezebel hounded him relentlessly. Her opposition sapped his strength and caused him to say, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life” (1Ki 19:4). Satan will take advantage of your weariness. When you’re fatigued you can become overly sensitive and miss the opportunity for growth that comes with the criticism. (2) Realize that good people get criticized. Jesus was called an overeater (See Mt 11:19); a drinker (See Lk 7:34); a friend of disreputable characters (See Mt 11:19). People whose opinions are set and whose thinking is off, won’t understand behavior based on obedience to God. So when your ideas and values clash with theirs, try to be gracious. (3) Always keep a good attitude. Your own attitude can be more detrimental to you than somebody else’s. You know what they say: “A chip on your shoulder usually indicates wood higher up.” Peter writes: “You have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to [God] who judges righteously.” Give it to God, and press on!

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