To constantly tear a person down with criticism does not help the situation or the person being criticized at all. What it does is make the person who is constantly being criticized feel angry, ashamed, and worthless.
This usually happens more with children than with adults. When it is constantly done to children, they grow up thinking, “I am nobody because that is what I have been told all of my life.”
Therefore, parents and guardians, for every point of criticism that you give your children, be sure to find something good that the child has done and compliment him. When trying to teach a child something that he doesn’t seem to readily grasp, offer a sincere compliment instead of sharp criticism.
On the topic of criticizing, the Word says in Ephesians 4:29 (ESV), “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
Some people sharply criticize others because of what has been done to them in the present or past, and they feel that the only way to feel better is to give a sharp rebuke. In some instances, they feel that they are not being listened to, so they do what they think will get the answers or reaction that they want. Therefore, as long as you live, you can expect to be criticized, and there will be those who will never offer a compliment. It is how you deal with it that makes all the difference.
On a more personal note: I can remember when I was growing up that I was constantly criticized and rebuked by some who did not realize how much they were hurting me. Today, that hurt and pain would be looked upon as “bullying.” It made me very sensitive, withdrawn, and also caused me to become very bitter to a certain extent.
Oh, but when I chose the Lord’s side…! I thank Him for allowing me to see my positive self-worth, the love and inspiration that I can share with others, and my beauty, both inside and outside; therefore, I turned that sharp criticism and those rebukes into something far more productive. I am not going to resort to sharing the names of those critics. What is more important is that I found a way to deal with that phase of my life, with the help of my Master above. In spite of all, I am very happy and love teaching, encouraging, and inspiring others.
Always abound in the faith, and never leave home without Him!
