«And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?» (Matthew 7:3, NLT).
Living with someone who has a critical spirit is torture. Their words constantly drip in our ears: Drip! Drip! Drop! It is easy to get angry and think there is nothing we can do. If we confront them, we are usually criticized even more: «l wouldn’t have to criticize you so much if you were more responsible, if you remembered to do things without being asked a hundred times. . .» What can we do? The answer is simple, and complex at the same time: we can pray, but not the way we usually pray.
Without a doubt, we should pray for God to change the person’s spirit of criticism and fill them with gratitude. Let’s pray for that continuously! However, we should also pray for the log in our own eyes. «When you see someone else’s sin, instead of using that information to correct them, use it to humble yourself and discover the log in your own eye,» writes Paul Miller. «Instead of using the knowledge you have about other people’s defects as a spiritual hammer, Jesus wants you to use it to repent.» What does that mean? It means we should ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten our reactions to the critical person and correct us. Do I make the situation worse with my reactions? Do I display impatience and pride with my answers?
Sometimes we fear that, if we humble ourselves before God, the critical person will get away with it. However, the truth is our natural reactions not only do not solve the problem, but also make it worse. If instead of demanding and reacting, we depend on God, His Spirit will do what we cannot do and transform us and the other person. When we depend on the Holy Spirit’s wisdom, He will tell us what to say and when. With many less words, we will see much greater results. Obviously, we cannot do it alone. Only the Holy Spirit can achieve it! Therefore, when we are criticized, let us pray to depend more deeply on Him who can transform our weaknesses into an opportunity to make His glory shine forth.
Lord, critical people exasperate me. It is extremely hard for me to treat them with compassion (especially when they criticize me). However, my reactions show that I have a serious problem with pride and impatience. Help me! I want to continually depend on You. Transform me and sanctify me with Your Spirit. Fill me with humility to respond to criticism wisely. Amen.
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Take From: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2022
«NO FEARS»
BY: VANEZA PISSUTO
Collaborators: Alexandra Pérez & Angelica Cuate.
