Critical words: Griping, complaining, nagging, negative words.
We can become desensitized to things we hear and say.
Continual criticism is like undergoing water torture where water is dropped on your forehead over and over again. How can we recognize if we are being critical in our lives? It takes God, you and those around you.
Ask God for help. James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
We must be willing to test ourselves. Watch your children’s behavior. Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Am I criticizing my child more than I am encouraging them?
We need the help of our loved ones. Proverbs 10:17 He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, But he who refuses correction goes astray.
There is good criticism and bad criticism. Good criticism helps us grow. How to give good criticism: “Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man’s growth without destroying his roots” (Frank A. Clark) “Do not remove a fly from your friend’s forehead with a hatchet” (Chinese proverb).
Don’t criticize someone for everything they do wrong Know all the facts you can Point out the good first then the bad Acts 17:22 Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, "Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; 23 "for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: Avoid absolutes: “you always” or “you never”
Taking criticism “The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism” (Norman Vincent Peale). We need to listen James 1:19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; Restate what a person says in your own words to see if you fully understand what they are saying
Don’t retaliate Sometimes saying, “I’m sorry you feel that way” or silience is the best response
Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise. Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. Proverbs 15:23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is! Proverbs 17:27 He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. 28 Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.
When your brother or sister sins against you. Matthew 18:15 " Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 "But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' 17 "And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Salt: Traded for with Gold Roman soldiers were given an allowance for salt money Some of the 1st trade routes between Egypt and Greece were built for transporting salt.
Characteristics of Salt: It saves It flavors Job 6:6 Can flavorless food be eaten without salt? Matthew 5:13 " You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. It cleanses Elisha cleanses a spring 2 Kings 2:20-22
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
“The reason a dog has so many friends is because it wags it tail more than it does it tongue”