I have grown accustomed to criticism.  When I was in business, it could come from employees, former employees, customers, suppliers, or the public.  When I served in political office, every vote seemed to bring critics from the opposing side.  Now that I am in ministry, I have learned that criticism comes from outside and inside the church.  I suppose it is a part of culture.

Our first reaction to criticism is to lash out in anger towards it.  It is normal to want to defend ourselves, correct inaccuracies and promote the truth.  While I believe we should always speak truth in love and correcting false statements against us may have a place, I do not believe responding to criticism with anger is ever appropriate.

Here are three reasons why:

It’s not right.

I always hear the example of Jesus in the temple, but Jesus wasn’t dealing with their criticism of Him, but their misuse of the temple.  (And He apparently took time to think through His response according to John 2:15…He made a whip…how long does that take?)

It may be true.

The fact is that as hard and untrue as criticism may be, often there are things in the criticism for us to learn, which we may not have noticed without the criticism.  (See a similar post HERE.)

It doesn’t work.

It backs people into a corner and ultimately produces more criticism.

Jesus had the best remedy for handling criticism:

“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27-28)

What do you think? Is this something hard for you to do?

Related posts:

1. Accommodating Versus Ignoring Criticism
2. Developing an Anonymous Criticism Policy
3. What to do if employees don’t respond?
4. Hello Leader, Welcome To The Complaint Department
5. Dealing With Negativity In the Church