by Holly Minion
I'm beginning to realize that the most draining people to be around are critical people. Sadly, I'll admit that I used to be, and at times still can be, a very critical person myself. It only takes me a few minutes with someone who is criticizing others and their motives, methods, or actions for me to realize what an awful and yucky thing criticism is. Below are ten reasons we should put the language of criticism out of our vocabulary.
1. This was the hardest one for me to handle, but it was also what turned me from a critical person to a more loving one: Being critical is a sign of a bitter, selfish heart attitude. That sounds harsh, doesn't it? But it's so true. The Bible says, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh." (Matthew 12:34)
2. It hurts others. It hurts others badly. Most of us have been on the receiving end of negative criticism, and we know that it can really wound our own spirits. Why would we want to do that to another person? (Proverbs 18:14)
3. It says, "I think I'm better than that person." Pride doesn't look good on anyone. (Proverbs 21:4)
4. It sets a bad example. Next time we are tempted to criticize others around our children, we need to remember that little kids have big ears. Our four-year-old son hears everything we say, even if we think he’s just coloring or playing with toys and off in his own little world. (1 Timothy 4:12)
5. It breeds more criticism. If we have a critical attitude it will quickly influence those around us to be critical as well.
6. It robs us of our joy. We can't be happy people if we are too busy looking for the negative things in life.
7. It can cause others to give up. In the past, I have felt like quitting many of my church ministries a critical word (or two) has gotten back to me. I decided to stick with those ministries when I realized that those who were criticizing me were in the minority, but they were very discouraging. Don't be the cause of someone quitting their ministry.
8. It leaves no room for grace. I don't know about you, but I receive more grace than I ever deserve every day from my heavenly Father. Doesn't it stand to reason that, because of that, we should show grace to those around us? (1 Peter 5:5)
9. It gives us the wrong focus. Instead of focusing on that which is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and good, we are focusing on what is probably not true and definitely not kind. Let’s focus on showing love instead. (Philippians 4:8)
10. It keeps us from being a blessing. Before I became a mother, I heard many moms criticizing other parents and their parenting styles. Let me tell you, it was not encouraging for me to know that when I had children myself that those same ladies would probably be whispering behind my back, criticizing me as well. I'd much rather have them offer to help me than be critical. We can be such an encouragement by offering to be a blessing, rather than a hindrance. (Titus 2:4-5)
My husband and I were on our back porch looking at the sunset one evening. He commented on how nice it looked, then mentioned how the broken-down trailer behind our house ruined the view. I turned to him and said, "I'm choosing to focus on the sunset instead."
Do yourself a favor this week, and anytime you're tempted to be critical of someone or something, choose to "focus on the sunset" instead. Life will be better that way, for you and for those around you.