Criticism

• Take care of your own problems before criticizing others (Matthew 7: 3-5)
• Criticism should help people deepen their relationship with God (Luke 17: 3-5)
• Criticism should be given with a loving attitude (1 Corinthians 13: 4-5)
• Harsh criticism can destroy rather than help (Galatians 5: 15)

We have to be able to deal with and resolve any problems we have both spiritually and physically, before we can even begin to think we have the authority to point out anyone else's faults.  Only when we live in a way that is pleasing to God do we have the ability to point out other Christian's faults, and even then we should be doing it in an effort to help them to correct any error they are in, and not to make ourselves feel or look better or above them in any way.  We should take care of our own problems before criticizing others.  Criticism is helpful for Christians so that they can deepen their relationship with God.  If someone does something against me, I am to rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.  And if this happens seven times a day, and seven times he repents, seven times I am to forgive him.  In other words, we need attention to be brought to the error so that it is recognized; and then it can be corrected.  And vice versa, when I am in error; I need to be corrected, repent, and should also be forgiven.  This is how a Christian can deepen their relationship with God.  Criticism should be given with a loving attitude.  The only reason criticism should take place is to help the person in error; it should be done because you care for the person enough not to see them continue down the wrong path; or possibly lose their salvation.  Beware of harsh criticism towards your brother or sister in Christ.  If your criticism is too harsh; and done in a fashion that brings public humiliation or shame, you could destroy a believer and cause them to go astray even further; thus resulting in their loss of salvation or relapse of sin, drug abuse, etc..they can end up leaving the Church and going back to the world, lose their faith; and the end result; you can and will be held accountable for it.  


This study is short, but very important.  There are many occasions where these things happen and the results can be devastating.  The worse part is that the error rather than being corrected, stays the same, and the person's condition can worsen.  we should keep this in mind when we are helping others in the Church.  The same with any other setting.  Whatever we do, we should do it with love, and there should be no other intent in pointing it out.  I hope this serves as a helpful reminder to you- until the next study; take care and be well; God bless you..