As long as you live on this Earth there will always be someone who will criticize you. The chances that everyone around you agrees with everything your say or do in life is rare, In fact, it is almost impossible. The so-called critics are everywhere. They might be at work, at school, at home, even your own family. In fact, sometimes it might seem like the people who are most critical of you are those who are the closest to you. But is all criticism bad? What does the bible say about criticism and how do we deal with it?

The dictionary defines criticism as “the act of expressing disapproval and of noting the problems or faults of a person or thing.” So when someone criticizes you they are merely expressing their disapproval with something that was wrong in their eyes. There are two kinds of criticism that most of us receive. The first type of criticism is based on something we did and the other is criticism based on our faith, our morals, our values. The first type of criticism is something that we as Christians should be able to process in a wise manner and determine if it is constructive criticism that can help us improve in certain areas in our life.  1 John 1:9 says that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” If people criticize us for something that we have done wrong then it is better to ask God for forgiveness and also make sure to apologize to the person that offered the criticism and tell them you will do better next time.

Most people are always defensive when their faults are pointed out and just react by arguing with the person who just criticized them. But as a Christian is that always the best approach? The bible says in Proverbs 15:31-33,” Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.  Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.” From this verse is it clear that sometimes we need to listen to criticism that comes our way and see if we were indeed at fault and if we could have done something better.

If you are criticized for something you believe in like your faith in Jesus then all we can do is take it to God because it is not our fault. We do not let this kind of criticism bother us but instead, we react how the bible asks us to in a calm manner with love. Hebrews 12:14 says “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” When people criticize us, the way we react to them makes a big impact on their lives. If we react with love and holiness and try to keep the peace with them then they will see God working in us. If we react by being defensive, angry, and by starting a fight then we are no better off than those who are still lost to Christ.  Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”. When you react to criticism with love and calmness by admitting when you are wrong and not losing your cool when you are criticized wrongly, the world will notice that there is something different about you. This is an opportunity for you to not only glorify God but also minister to those that criticize you.