If you are criticized...

Monday, September 13, 2021

If you are criticized...

Better an open reproach than a hidden friendship. A friend's wounds prove his loyalty, while an enemy's kisses are deceptive. Proverbs 27:5,6

Almost all men of God have been criticized at one time or another, sometimes by their closest friends or family members. Think of Joseph, Moses, Nehemiah, or the apostle Paul, to name a few, who suffered from sometimes nasty criticism of themselves or their actions.

If the Lord places a service before you, do not be surprised if you become the target of criticism. They will perhaps concern your person (another young person who wants to put himself forward !) Or your service itself (this service is too "social" and not spiritual enough !) Or your way of proceeding (it is very nice to take care of that, but you're not doing it the right way !).

Are you going to give up because of these criticisms that you may learn of from more or less well-meaning people ? Or, on the contrary, will you revolt against such acts and will you seek to respond by justifying yourself ? No, of course ! Because neither of these reactions is spiritual.

It is in prayer that you will react first, putting your trust in God who has given you a service to perform. And then, take into account what you've been told. Perhaps you will find something positive in the criticisms formulated, or you will understand that God wants to teach you a lesson, for example, the one that we so often need to relearn, that of humility.

Consider also the origin of these criticisms : is it a friend ? A priori, according to today's proverb, he is fulfilling his duty of friendship towards you and you should take his remarks very seriously. Is this someone who barely knows you ? Remember, as said before, what can be heard positively and ignore the rest... Finally, the most important thing is that you avoid any bitterness and resentment towards anyone. God will help you with this.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)