'...Christ...while being reviled...did not revile in return...' 1 Peter 2:21-23 NAS
This is a hard one. How do we learn to be like Christ in the midst of criticism? As a pastor I've come to expect criticism as a part of the job or ministry. Everyone has an opinion on how I should run the church and to be fair some have given me constructive criticism that has helped me immensely in dealing with people. So how can you learn to accept what is given in love to help you grow as a believer? When it comes to handling criticism the right way you must:
(1) Demonstrate emotional and spiritual maturity. Exhaustion can affect the way you act when you're under pressure. Elijah slipped into depression because of it. Queen Jezebel hounded him relentlessly. Her opposition sapped his strength and caused him to say, '...It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life...' (1 Kings 19:4 KJV) Satan will take advantage of your weariness. When you're fatigued you can become overly sensitive and miss the opportunity for growth that comes with the criticism. (2) Realize that good people get criticized. Jesus was called a glutton (Matthew 11:19); a drinker (Luke 7:34); a friend of disreputable characters (Matthew 11:19). People whose opinions are set and whose thinking is off won't understand behavior based on obedience to God. So when your ideas and values clash with theirs, try to be gracious.
(3) Always keep a good attitude. Your own attitude can be more detrimental to you than somebody else's. You know what they say: 'A chip on your shoulder usually indicates wood higher up.' Peter writes: 'You have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to [God] who judges righteously.' (1 Peter 2:21-23 NKJV) Give it to God, and press on! You are loved...
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