Welcome!
Today: Criticism: “yes” or “no”?
Passage: Psalm 62
3 How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him down— this leaning wall, this tottering fence? 4 They fully intend to topple him from his lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. (Psalm 62, NIV) –emphasis added
David continues his lament about how he was being treated/criticized
Here, David speaks about negative criticism that is aimed at destroying/toppling a person. Bible encourages positive criticism, which is constructive, aimed at building a person/family/church
That is what we see in Paul’s letters/epistles and in the letter from Jesus himself, to the seven churches (Revelation chapters 2 & 3)
The line between positive criticism and negative criticism is a very narrow line. We can easily slip from one to the other if we are not careful
If a father fails to positively criticize/correct his children, others will do negative criticism on that child. When the leader of a church fails to do positive criticism/correction on the church, people will start negative criticism and gossip within the church, which will finally destroy it
Positive criticism is a “must” to make people better. It is done in love. It is aimed at making the person better, not bitter. However, don’t think it will work with all people. A good number of people cannot accept positive criticism!
Below are few verses that support positive criticism. (Emphasis added in most)
If your brother sins, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him. (Luke 17:3, NET)
Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are excessive. (Proverbs 27:5-6, NET
1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal 6, NIV 84)
2 Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction. (2 Tim 4:1-2, NET)
A rebuke makes a greater impression on a discerning person than a hundred blows on a fool. (Proverbs 17:10, NET)
The goal of the act of correction is what is important.
5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
(1 Tim 1, NIV 84)-emphasis added
The Bible is about truth and true love. It does not support fake love and lies
The psalmist says: “with their mouths they bless, but with their hearts they curse” (Ps 62: 4). Do not “bless” someone, unless we mean it!
In positive criticism, there is love and truth. In the negative one, there will be bitterness and lies, which may eventually destroy both or the one who criticizes
Those in whom we desire a change, pray for them first. Then, in love, go and speak to them. You will see acceptance and change
Did this help you? If so, pray for me
Have a blessed day
BG
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for making me a part of your great family. It is a great privilege and honor. Help me to do my job right, as your child, here. Amen
“When we do our job right, less people will do theirs wrong”