How to Handle Criticism and Praise

“He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof
will dwell among the wise.
He who neglects discipline despises himself,
but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.
The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom,
and before honor comes humility.” Proverbs 15:31-33

 Your day started off great. Your devotional time was splendid, and you were on a roll at work - until a coworker walked up to your desk and took you to a task over a memorandum you had written. Suddenly God was distant; anger welled up within you like a flash flood; and resentment raced to the pole position. Your day was ruined.

Sound familiar? Is there anyone who has not undergone a similar negative transformation when on the receiving end of a reprimand? Our response, however, can determine whether criticism is constructive or destructive.

Criticism - just or unjust - is constructive when we listen.
It is destructive when we immediately clamp down an emotional tourniquet, refusing entrance.

Criticism is constructive when we sift it in a spirit of self-examination.
It is destructive when we retain it as a reservoir of bitterness.

Criticism is constructive when it drives us to trust Christ as our defense and leaves our reputation to Him.
It is destructive when we seek to defend ourselves.

When you are criticized, learn and correct what you can with a humble spirit; that is wisdom. If it is without merit, lean on Christ as your Advocate; that is trust. Either way, you win.

“Not returning evil for evil or insult for insult...” 1 Peter 3:9