While love and criticism may seem like completely opposite forces on the surface, the truth is people often inflict such verbal abuse on the people we claim to love without even thinking about it. So it is vastly important to know where to draw the line. So that, we know how to act thoughtfully, rather than react thoughtlessly. So when correcting try asking yourself these things.
Are you trying to do what is right, or just be right?
Are you trying to find a resolution to the problem, or just win the fight?
Are you really trying to help the person, or strike back at the offender to hurt them?
If you really are trying to help, also ask this.
Who are you trying to help; the other person involved, or just yourself?
Who are you trying to help; the other person involved, or just yourself?
These things can determine the difference between criticism and love. But keep in mind, it takes true righteous humility to answer these questions honestly, or even realize there is a difference. The prideful will assume their opinion is right by default and not even consider where the other person is coming from. Or even consider how their actions will possibly affect others in the negative. Prideful Critics go out of their way to find fault in others. Yet they often avoid owning up to their own faults, and never recognize that their loveless attitude is their biggest fault.
Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? - James 4:11-12 niv
“What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah? Your love is like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears. -Hosea 6:4 niv
 |
| Two sides of the same person |
No comments:
Post a Comment