Handling Criticism the Right Way (3)

'It is to a man's honor to avoid strife...' Proverbs 20:3 NIV

As I was praying on how I should close these thoughts on handling criticism the right way, God spoke to me and said its no different than what you are speaking on Sunday. Telling the Truth by speaking it in love helps us handle the how and why of criticism. It is our responsibility to avoid conflict and strife as believers. So how do you go about it: (1) Concentrate on your mission and change your mistakes! Most of us do the opposite; when criticism comes we change our mission and concentrate on our mistakes. If you run every time you make a mistake, you will never accomplish anything. Instead you'll live in constant frustration. The only real mistakes are the ones from which you learn nothing. So instead of dwelling on your mistakes, count on making some, growing wiser and moving on to finish the job. There's an old Arabian proverb that says, 'If you stop every time a dog barks, your road will never end.' Don't let your failures become roadblocks-turn them into building blocks. Proverbs 27:17 NIV says, 'Iron sharpens iron...' So pray and grow sharper through criticism. (2) Spend time with the right people. When you have optional time spend it with those who build you up, not tear you down. Quality time with the right people will strengthen your faith and fortify you against the effects of the worst criticism. It will also keep you from becoming critical yourself. When crows attack a hawk, the hawk doesn't counter-attack. Instead, it soars higher and higher in ever-widening circles until the pests leave it alone. What a great strategy! Circle above your critics rather than stooping to their level: 'It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.' If your attitude is to have any effect on people it will be because of your example, not your defensiveness. You are loved...