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Gayle J. Thorn

Be Constructive


Bible Reading: Matthew 7:1-5

Criticism. The word even sounds mean!

Criticism – picking on people, finding fault, emphasizing people's failures – is a sin. Romans 2:1-2 tell us, "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things."

We know that no one is perfect. We also know that many times other people's faults and imperfections annoy us.

How should we respond to the imperfection of the people around us? The Bible gives us the answer. Rather than putting someone down for not doing something well, we should seek to help that person. To do this, we can offer constructive criticism. Constructive criticism when done with love, is biblical. Here's how it works:

First, make sure you haven't failed in some similar way (Matthew 7:1-5). If you have, ask God's forgiveness before you say or do anything.

Second, focus on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-3). What would Jesus do or say? What wouldn't He do or say?

Third, pray (Romans 12:12). Ask God to help you know what to do and say. Ask God to bless and take care of the other person.

Fourth, Remind yourself that God is in control (Romans 8:28) and trust Him to help both you and the other person to do what is right (Psalm 55:22).

Fifth, focus on obeying God and doing and saying only what is good for the other person (James 1:12).

Sixth, speak kindly (2 Peter 1:5-7), gently (Proverbs 15:1-2), and patiently (Ephesians 4:2). Don't speak badly to or about the person (James 4:11 & 12) nor become angry with him (Ephesians 4:26).

Seventh, be compassionate and merciful (James 5:11).

Eighth, be forgiving (Colossians 3:13). Let God decide if the other person needs to be punished (1 Peter 2:23).

Ninth, avoid condemning (Luke 6:37). Instead, use the situation as an opportunity to teach the person (Proverbs 9:9-10) and to learn from your frustration at the other person's mistakes (James 1:2-4).

Finally, be more interested in loving the person and protecting his heart than in being right (1 Corinthians 13:6 & 7).

"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:6 & 7

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to say only kind, helpful words to everyone. In Jesus' name. Amen.


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