S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Criticism is the act of judging unfavorably or faultfinding. It is often appropriate to judge a person, thing, or action unfavorably. In fact, a true friend will speak the truth even when it's hard...

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July 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jennifer Rothnie Supporter Housewife, Artist, Perpetually Curious

It is important to remember that criticism, of itself, is not a negative thing. Criticism is evaluating quality or action, passing judgement, analyzing veracity or skill, a critique, etc. If used to "build up" the target, it is a very good thing [Such as God critiquing Israel for their sin, or the letters to the churches in Revelation pointing out both good and bad, or Nathan calling David to accountability]. If used to tear down or puff the self up, then it is bad.

Criticism can be edifying or not depending on the source and on the goal. Scripture details several forms of criticism and gives a lot of advice:

#1 A friend's call to accountability (II Sam 12:1-14, Prov 17:6, Prov 27:25, Ecc 7:5, Matt 18:15-17, Acts 5:1-11, II Timothy 4:2, Luke 17:3-4, Eph 4:15, II Tim 2:24-25, etc)

-This is a very positive and necessary form of criticism. Our response should be to turn from our sin and repent, not to attack the messenger or justify our own sin. That is, graciously accept the rebuke rather than get defensive. [The pharisees did not accept the rebukes of Christ, for example, but rather delivered him over to the Roman's for death].

#2 Advice for the friend doing the rebuking (I Tim 5:1-2, Luke 6:37-45, I Thess 5:11, Rom 14:9, etc). 

-Be respectful, don't be hypocritical, and make sure your purpose is to build up and restore rather than tear down.

#3 Dealing with persecution for the sake of Christ (John 15:18-27, Jude 1:9, I Peter 4:-19, Prov 25:21-22).

- We will all face attacks on character, and especially our walk with God, that simply are not true. This persecution and criticism is expected, as Christ was persecuted as well. The response here is to continue in our testimony and confidence, continue to do good, let God be the judge, return good for evil, and even rejoice in the suffering! We should not respond 'in kind' with the accuser. [In fact, satan means "accuser". We should not respond to the darts of satan with false accusation and malice in return].

#4 Constant criticism [nagging, grumbling, a critical spirit] (Prov 19:13, Prov 25:24, Judges 16:15-16, Phil 2:14, Num 11:1-35, I Peter 4:9, Ex 16:7-12, Num 7:5, Prov 17:1, Rom 12:16)

- This form of constant nagging and complaint has at its heart the arrogant idea that God is not good enough, another person is not good enough, or life isn't good enough in relation to your own magnificent existence. It is slow to repent of faults in self, and quick to point out faults or perceived limitations in others. Esteeming others before self (Phil 2:3, fearing the Lord (Prov 19:23, Psalm 115:11, Psalm 24:9, II Cor 5:1-15), and being content (I Tim 6:8, Heb 13:5) do much to fight against this sin taking hold.

#5 Dealing with constant negative criticism from others (Gal 6:1-5, Prov 22:10, Prov 20:3, Prov 13:10, Prov 15:18, Prov 26:20, Rom 12:21, Rom 15:5, 1 Cor 1:10, Phil 4:1-9, II Cor 10:12-18)

- We should respond with good, not evil. We should do our best to live in harmony. It is God who gives us the endurance to stand firm even in the face of harsh and untrue criticism. We need to maintain a right view of God (holy, caring, just, etc) and a right view of self (the gifts God has given us, our strengths and weaknesses, etc). Turning the matter over to God in prayer can help us with the difficult emotions of feeling discouraged, disrespected, or unloved (Psalm 35:11-28).

#6 Evaluating teachings (I Cor 14:29, I Cor 2:10-16, Acts 17:11, Heb 13:17, I Thess 6:19-22, I Tim 5:1-2, Matt 7:15-19, etc)

-A good thing to do, but speak to teachers and elders with respect and love.

# 7 Criticizing self (I Cor 4:3, Psalm 139:13-16, Rom 3: 21-26, I Cor 11:22)

-We are to evaluate ourselves for unconfessed sin. We should not be overly critical of our body or personality, etc. God sees us through Christ who is perfect, and God also made us.

#8 God's critique (Ecc 12:14, Psalm 82:8, Rev 2:5-16, Rev 3:19)

-For discipline, call to repentance, judgement, etc

July 23 2014 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report