Nobody likes to be criticised. It can make us defensive and lead us to say things that we don’t really mean. Or it can knock our self-esteem, and leave us feeling worthless and not good enough. Criticism can come from our friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers via social media. But the Bible wants us to be building each other up. ‘Say what people need – words that will help others become stronger’ and ‘encourage each other and give each other strength’ (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NCV). Sometimes criticism can be helpful because it shows us areas we need to work on. But criticism is not always meant in a constructive way, it’s often destructive. We need to learn to handle criticism well. We need to avoid retaliation and instead take everything that is said to us to God. He can show us if we need to make any changes to our lifestyles and character, but He can also remind us of our core identity in Him. We also need to lead by example. We should be aiming to speak words of life to other people, rather than criticising them. Jesus said: ‘Why do you notice the little piece of dust in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the big piece of wood in your own eye?’ (Matthew 7:3 NCV). It can be so tempting to point out other people’s mistakes, but we need to remember that we’re not perfect either. All of us sin, all of us mess up, and all of us fail at things. If we wouldn’t want someone pointing out our mistakes, why would we do that to someone else?  Let’s be ‘encouragers’ rather than ‘criticisers’. 

What Now?

Try and say at least one encouraging thing to everyone you meet today.