Don’t think that I have been saying that there isn’t a place for good Biblical correction. I’m not saying that at all. However, it is always something we should approach with caution. The Bible even acknowledges this with a warning in Galatians 6:1.
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. NIV
Not only does it warn us to be gentle with people, but it warns us of the possible temptations we face ourselves in not doing so. Think about that, if we only end up promoting rebellion because we hurt or insulted the person we intended to help. As well as lead ourselves astray in the process by correcting via the fleshly pride of our sinful nature, and not the humility of the spirit, the only change is for the worse on all fronts. So you can clearly see that the Bible teaches us that criticism isn’t only bad for the receiver, but for the one doing the criticizing too. As individuals, it damages our relationships, as a church it hampers our outreach efforts. The saddest part is that when it comes to the church, we are all reaping the bitter fruit of the critical seeds sown in the name of righteousness, even if it’s only practiced by a few. So I think it’s long past due that we all heed God’s stern warning here.
The obvious question now is where do we draw the line that divides Biblically based correction from fruitless criticism? It’s actually quite simple, and it’s a good line to observe in many cases, not just correction; and the answer would be love. (1 Corinthians 16:14) A very important yet often neglected truth in the creed of Christianity. If we are truly acting in a selfless way in attempting to do right by a person, then our correction needs to be done in love. Anything less and your words can come out as hurtful, disrespectful, and unproductive.
This truth makes our analysis of the concept quite simple. All we have to do is compare correction with the attributes of Christian love. They are all conveniently listed in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. By using this as our standard, we will know just how to correct properly. Also, by looking at the exact opposite of love we will see what constitutes criticism, and what makes it harmful to everyone involved. For that is precisely what defines a critic, someone who does the opposite of what love would do.
Love is patient. Critics are impatient.
Love is kind. Critics are unkind.
Love does not envy. Critics are often motivated by envy.
Love does not boast. Criticism can be a thinly veiled form of boasting.
Love is not proud. Critics are full of pride.
Love is not proud. Critics are full of pride.
Love is not rude. Critics seek to dishonor others.
Love is not self-seeking. Critics are selfish takers.
Love is not easily angered. Criticism is often an act of anger.
Love keeps no record of wrongs.
Critics keep a record of wrongs, and they use them too.
Critics keep a record of wrongs, and they use them too.
Love does not delight in evil. Criticism is a product of the sinful nature of the flesh
Love rejoices with the truth. Critics make the truth seem undesirable.
Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes.
Critics only protect, trust, and hope when you do as they please.
Love always perseveres. Unfortunately, criticism perseveres as well.
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