Escaping the Criticism Trap: Let it Go and Love
So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. Romans 14:10,12-13
No one likes to receive criticism, but most of us are pretty good at giving it.
Perhaps you’ve noticed that your spouse could be a better communicator or be more helpful. You may have noticed how your neighbor could keep their home in better condition. Maybe you’ve got ideas for how your coworker could be more efficient. Chances are, we all have some improvement pointers for those around us.
The problem with criticism is that it usually presupposes that we know best. We expect others to think, and act like us. But when God created different personalities, born into different cultures and families, He endorsed and celebrated diversity.
The Bible book of Romans instructs us to accept others and “…don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong (Romans 14:1). About those coworkers of yours? God says, “Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval… Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God…Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other” (Romans 14:4,10b,12,13a). This scripture was written because followers of Jesus were fighting over small, petty matters, trying to determine who was supposedly correct. God spoke to them, instructing them to put their faith in Him rather than in justifying themselves based on rule-keeping.
The next time you’re tempted to criticize someone over something small, let the minor things fall at the feet of God in whom you place your faith. We are to love others in the same way that we wholeheartedly love God, for this sums up all the commandments (Matthew 22:40).