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Handling Criticism - Part 1

my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.
Proverbs 23:16

Are you being criticized? If so, try doing these three things: (1) Understand the difference between constructive and destructive criticism. Learn how to interpret criticism by asking: (a) in what spirit is it given? If your critic's attitude is kind, rest assured it's meant to be constructive (b) when is the criticism given? When somebody criticizes you publicly, usually their intentions aren't the best (c) why is the criticism given? Solomon says, 'The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out' (Proverbs 20:5). Hurting people hurt others, so always ask, "Is the criticism given for my benefit, or just from personal hurt?" (2) Don't take yourself too seriously. Face it, occasionally we all do stupid things. Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves and learn from their blunders. (3) Look beyond the criticism and see the critic. Is it someone you respect? Are they constantly critical? If so, don't place too much value on what they say; they're probably just projecting their frustration on to you - like the 12-year-old boy who hadn't spoken since he was born. After being served oatmeal for breakfast several weeks in a row he shouted, "Yuck, I hate this stuff!" His mother jumped up, hugged him and said, "We thought you couldn't talk. Why haven't you ever spoken to us?" Bluntly he exclaimed, "Because up until now everything's been okay." Some folks talk only when they're ticked off. The important question is does your critic sincerely want to help you?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the wisdom to sort out what is constructive and destructive criticism. In Jesus' Name, Amen