The title may not be recognized right away, but if you have read the sermon of the Lord Jesus Christ called the “sermon on the mount,’ you would recognize Jesus’ admonition about judging or criticizing others. Here are the words:
Matthew 7:1–5 (ESV) — 1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
Just picture what Jesus is saying in a literal sense every time you criticize another person. Criticism is often an attempt to put down another person, or to even hurt someone. Hence, Jesus is pointing out that you are apparently pointing out the error or spec in a person’s eye, while you have a log in your own eye. It’s easy to say, “ridiculous!” But go on in Jesus’ words and you’ll find things change when you work on your own problem before you point out the fault in another person, which makes a great big difference. Otherwise, you have the title “hypocrite” over your head and nobody wants that. The application then is to anyone handing out criticism to first look at yourself.
But there is more, the truth of the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ goes even farther if we apply it to the receiving of criticism because there is a tendency to strike back or become bitter when we are the target of criticism.
Joel Beeke and Nick Thompson coauthored a book titled, “Pastors and Their Critics,” (published by P&R publishing) in which they describe some helpful ways of responding to criticism that is in keeping to the teaching of Jesus above. Please note that even though the following insights from the book are meant for pastors, there is certainly application to everyone. The book was written for pastors because they seem to be the target for criticism. And maybe you seem to be too.
First, be open and receptive to criticism and even show appreciation for constructive insights. That means we drop the guard and are open to reason. Perhaps a portion of the criticism or even all of it is applicable. So, we should consider it before we blow it off.
Philippians 4:4–5 (ESV) — 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
Secondly, be humble which calls on us to respond with grace and kindness when criticized and take it as from God who is using all things in life to change our hearts to be like Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:28–29 (ESV) — 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Thirdly, consider the source who is criticizing. Rather than consider how unqualified a critic is to make any accusations, consider what might be happening in their life that has resulted in their being critical. This is a safeguard to keep us from reacting in a way that is not going to pay off in the long run.
Hebrews 10:24 (ESV) — 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
Fourthly, be selective because not all criticism requires a response. In fact, it’s best not to respond at the time criticism is presented, no matter how hurtful it may be.
Proverbs 16:22 (ESV) — 22 Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly.
Fifthly, be slow to respond, if a response is necessary, take your time to consider it. It’s recommended in the book to give things at least 24 hours and much prayer before you respond, recognizing that a no response may be the best way to respond.
Proverbs 15:2 (ESV) — 2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
Sixthly, learn from the criticism and use it as a means of personal growth. You may have received a gem that will take you to the next level in the criticism that was leveled against you. The words of Joseph to his brothers are most applicable.
Genesis 50:19–20 (ESV) — 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
Criticism is tough to handle, but with God’s grace all of us can take what was leveled against us and use it to work on keeping our sight clean of logs or specs, recognizing that there may be at least some truth in what is being said so it’s important to be receptive rather than resisting. Of course, that takes humility to admit the possibility of faults, which is a means of growing because it means you are teachable. As you consider the source of the criticism to empathize with them instead of blowing them off as someone who is not in the know. Maybe their criticism is a result of being super sensitive in a given area of life about which you hadn’t given any thought. In all cases make sure your response has been given much thought, and you have given the time to cool down before responding. In all criticism, look at things as the opportunity to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. The choice is yours. Accept the pointing out a spec in your eye, or react and you’ll show the spec is really a log.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker, Pastor
Christ Community Presbyterian Church
Clearwater, FL
Check out my blog and podcast at www.bobbrubaker.com.
