“Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.” Proverbs 15:31

It’s hard to really like criticism. It’s difficult when someone challenges your ego. Pride kicks in, and you can become defensive.

The Word is also clear that criticism can be a healthy thing. Read Proverbs 13:18, Proverbs 29:1.

But how do we distinguish between helpful criticism and unhealthy critiques?

1. We have to know who we are in Christ.

This is the foundation for handling criticism. If you know who you are in Christ, then what others say or think doesn’t impact you so much. Then you can truly consider their words, without emotions overwhelming you. Once you grasp how much the God of the universe values and loves and treasures you, the thoughts and words of others will fade in comparison. “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” Psalm 118:6.

2. We must ask ourselves, “Would the Lord say this to me?”

Once you have a firm grasp of who you are in Christ, then you can seriously consider what has been spoken to you. Knowing how much the Father loves you, stop and ask yourself, “Would the Lord say this to me? Is this something that my Heavenly Father would want me to know/work on?” If it isn’t something that the Holy Spirit is convicting you of, then disregard it respectfully. If it is something God is speaking to you, then onto the next step.

3. Ask yourself, “How would He say it to me?”

If the words the person has spoken to you are something that God convicts you about, then ask yourself, “How would my Heavenly Father say this to me?” Maybe the person pointed something out that hurt you, and in the process, they spoke condemning or hurtful words to you. The Lord would not speak that way to you. He convicts, but He doesn’t condemn (Romans 8:1). So rephrase the truth that was spoken to you in a way that the Lord would say it to you, not the enemy.

When you see criticism through the lens of a daughter or son of God, instead of running away in hurt, you stand, firmly planted in His love. You ask yourself “Would the Lord say this to me? And if so, how would He say it?” Criticism is therefore either something you can easily dismiss, or a benefit to make you more into the person He created you to be.

Devotional reposted from sjcircuitboard.wordpress.com

Photo Credit: Lum3n – Pexel – Green Pine Trees Covered With Fogs Under White Sky during Daytime