February 6 - Responding to Critics

Matthew 5:44
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”
 
Although we cannot avoid criticism, we can learn how to Biblically respond to those who criticize and take advantage of us.

Jesus Christ tells us to…
Love them. Bless them. Do good unto them. Pray for them.
 
Easier said than done, right? That is because in our flesh dwelleth no good thing, and to love those that hurt us is contrary to our fleshly desires. If we only love those who love us, what reward do we have? As hard as it is, we are to seek to love those who aren’t our favorite people.
 
God sometimes uses the pressure of opposition to teach us the power of prayer. If we take our frustrations and disappointments to Him in prayer, we will have a much better outcome to our situation. When we pray for people, we will treat them differently. When we pray for our critics and those who tend to misuse their relationship with us, we can respond to them with grace.
 
Not all critics are our enemies. Sometimes our actions and attitudes require our friends to hold us accountable. We learn in Proverbs 27:6, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend…” Those who know us best can often see things we don’t, and can help us in our efforts and purpose. If you have a friend who helps you see the bright side of things, and encourages you to do right when others fail you, be thankful for them today.
 
Remember that Christ Himself dealt with criticism and persecution.
“And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.” Matthew 27:12-14
He is the Ultimate Example of dealing with critics.
 
Bible Reading:
Exodus 22-23 |  Matthew 16  |  Psalm 6