UNDERSTANDING CRITICISM

SCRIPTURE READING:– HEBREWS 12:1-17

TOPIC:- UNDERSTANDING CRITICISM

TEXT:- HEBREWS 12:14

Let’s Discuss Five Reasons Why Criticism Is A Good Thing:

1. Criticism is a form of communication. If someone has a criticism, it means they want to give you feedback on what you’re doing. That means, an opportunity to learn more about the person, either whom you’re working for and how to convert them into a satisfied customer or your audience member. Take a moment to think before you respond to what they’re saying. In business, working with someone who is patient and able to receive and act on criticism means both parties can work towards a better outcome. For a play or production, it might mean getting to know what your audience actually want. See Proverbs 27:17.

2. Feedback helps make you stronger. If you always think you’re right but don’t get feedback from anyone else, how do you know for sure that what you’re doing is any good? Whether you’re selling or performing, whether it’s a product or service, listening and acting on those honest views will tell you precisely what’s good and what can be done better. Use that information to change your performance, service, exhibition or event. Sometimes it will make for uncomfortable listening but it can make you stronger as a result. See Phillipians 4:8.

3. It forces you to think about how you work. Constructive criticism can guide you away from bad practices and towards good ones. Try to be objective and look at what you’re providing to people. This can be particularly difficult when you’re deeply involved in a project but, if you can take a step back, you might see how to improve your way of working and avoid any negative outcomes down the road. Did you need a more specific brief? Was there something you missed in the early stages of the project? Is the performance deadline too unrealistic? See Hosea 4:6.

4. The right kind of criticism can give you an advantage. Think about it, if you can get a customer/member to tell you, (and just you alone), on how to give them the perfect product or service, that’s information you’ve got that no one else has. That puts you at an advantage over anyone else in your sector/ministry and can be used again in the future to get things right, even faster. Find ways to squeeze that information from your client or audience and get them to tell you what they really want. See Proverbs 18:24.

5. The language you use in response to criticism is vitally important. Try to avoid getting into an argument. Instead, turn it into a discussion about how to resolve the problem. This way you’re still in a position to get better, and you’ll waste less time guessing how to put things right. See James 1:19.
How To Respond To Critism:
1. We must maintain a quite spirit. Do not become defensive or loud, though that may feel right at the moment. Some people will say, “I just get angry easily, that’s how God made me.” No, we can’t blame the Lord when we fail to control bad temper. Such responses are unhelpful and unacceptable.
2. We should not attempt to defend ourselves immediately. Whenever possible, it’s wise to allow time for the initial shock and irritation to pass before offering any defense or explanation.
3. This is a tough one, we must ask the Holy Spirit to show us if the problem is our fault. Are the accusations true? Is it possible that a loving friend was led by God to reveal something unpleasant about us? As humans, we cannot be right all of the time. For this respond, there is always a chance that a conflict in our lives may actually be our fault. When people care enough to confront us in this way, we should be gracious about receiving and considering their perspective.
4. When people criticise you, respond in a way that will fosters peace, not to destroy it. See Hebrews 12:14.

Prayer points:-
1. Oh Lord my God! Help me to respond peaceably to my critics henceforth, in the name of Jesus Christ.
2. Oh Lord my God! Help me to admit my wrong in taking wrong decision, in the name of Jesus Christ.
3. Oh Lord my God! Help me to maintain my integrity and be myself henceforth, in the name of Jesus.

Have A Wonderful Weekend!