371: How to Respond to Criticism

A special thanks to Dana Young for this note on facing criticism.

1st admit that you are not perfect. Jesus was the only perfect human to walk the earth, and you are not Him. Take ownership and admit that you always have room for improvement.

2nd assess whether the criticism is constructive or destructive. Is it intended to help you improve or to tear you down? Take the constructive and ignore the destructive. If the criticism was meant to harm you, ignore it and move on. Do not dwell on it. (If the criticism is from an anonymous critic, do not waste your time.)

3rd take a breath. Do not respond immediately. Take time to ponder and consider how the criticism can make you better.

4th thank the person for caring enough to offer their opinion. If they didn’t think you could improve, they wouldn’t have come to you. They could have chosen to complain to other people about you instead of coming to you.

5th ask the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5) (Proverbs 15) Seek direction from the Holy Spirit. See this as an opportunity to improve. Be teachable and humble.

6th make the improvement and move forward. Do not get stuck in a negative thought pattern regarding the criticism. Focus on the good.

1 Peter 5:1-10