Home Pastors Articles for Pastors When Criticism Strikes, Do These 7 Things

When Criticism Strikes, Do These 7 Things

We all deal with criticism sooner or later. No one can escape it.

Sometimes, it’s what we say or don’t say.

Sometimes, it’s what we do or don’t do.

Live long enough and you’ll be criticized for your looks, your dress, your habits, what you do, where you go and who you hang out with. In business and in the ministry, critics abound. Sometimes they sprout like mushrooms after a spring rain.

Or maybe they’re more like snails and worms.

The point is, they’re everywhere. 

Here are seven positive ways to respond to criticism. 

1. Listen to it.

Proverbs 15:32). So take the time to listen to what your critics have to say.

Will you like it? No.

Will it hurt? Probably.

Will you get mad? Maybe.

Take a deep breath and make up your mind to listen anyway. You have to listen, or the rest of this list doesn’t matter. 

A person who will not listen can’t be helped. 

2. Don’t overreact to it.

How many times have we spoken too soon? Sometimes a phone call or an email or a comment strikes us at the wrong moment.

If we strike back in anger, we will soon regret it. 

Step back.

Walk away.

Bite your tongue.

Bite it again.

Don’t hit the Send button on that fiery email. Let it sit and simmer and soak for a few hours. Then hit the Delete button and start all over. 

Remember what Solomon said: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).

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raypritchard@churchleaders.com'
Dr. Ray Pritchard serves as president of Keep Believing Ministries, an Internet-based community serving Christians in 225 countries. Keep Believing Ministries exists to equip and encourage people to keep believing in Jesus. For 26 years he pastored churches in Los Angeles, Dallas and Chicago. Dr. Pritchard has authored over 25 books, including An Anchor for the Soul, Stealth Attack, The Healing Power of Forgiveness, Credo: Believing in Something to Die For, In the Shadow of the Cross, and Why Did This Happen to Me? He and his wife Marlene have been married for 39 years. They have three sons and two daughters-in-law and four grandchildren.