3. Pray and process.
Criticism often makes us feel bad and often we act irrationally or in an unhealthy way to it. When we get criticized, we must, however, process that criticism by asking these kinds of questions. What is valid about it? What do I do with it? Do I ignore it? Do I confront the criticizer? Do I learn from it?
We should not disregard all criticism. We can learn much from our critics. Some critics can even become our best coaches.
Psa. 141:5 … Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they reprove me, it is soothing medicine. Don’t let me refuse it. (NLT)
Evaluate the merit of criticism in two ways.
1. In light of the spirit and attitude in which it was given. Did the critic criticize to help you or to hurt you?
2. In light of the voices to whom your critic listens. Does the critic hang around with godly people, or simply run with a pack of other critics?
4. Proceed with care.
Although Nehemiah often prayed, he didn’t use prayer as an excuse to do nothing. He did something. He moved forward with the project to rebuild the wall.
When the chronic critic criticizes you, don’t let it immobilize you. Do something tangible.
You may need to separate yourself from your constant critics and not listen to them any longer.
You may need to boldly tell your critic to stop criticizing.
You may need to listen and learn from your critic.
5. Protect your vulnerabilities.
In response to his critics, he posted guards at the wall’s most vulnerable places. Sometimes criticism reveals where were are weakest and most vulnerable.
When such criticism reveals those weaknesses, we may need to take some of these extra steps to deal with those sensitive places.
Consult a good counselor.
Invite a safe friend into your life to help you process the criticism.
Study Scripture to see what God’s Word says about that area.
Read a helpful book that addresses your sensitive area.
Ultimately, we must look to Christ who provided the perfect pattern for responding to our chronic critics.
1 Pet. 2:23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. (NIV)
What has helped you respond to your critics?
