Handling Criticism Unwisely>>>more
from In Touch Ministries
Dealing with a critical person is not easy, when someone at work, at school or in home just does it just because. What do you do? Coming up I was very sensitive...okay I was a cry baby. In my entry from this past Saturday I felt I was not loved, not wanted, desired. Some of it was people being cruel, some of it was brought on by myself, I felt I could do nothing right. But my what a difference growing up makes...
My Lord has taught me that no matter what, people are going to be people. I used to hear all the time that 'you can not control what people think of you, but you can control what you think of yourself'; and it's true. It took me years to come to that conclusion because when you didn't receive that encouragement coming up as a child it takes you a little longer to realize that God made us for His purpose, not to be a 'people pleaser'. Now that I know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and what He had to endure, what the apostle Paul had to endure, many Christians before you and I had to live through I can keep going.
Now this does not mean you and I are doormats for anyone. What I do now is first and foremost look inward to see is there something I could have done different, better; could I have worked the problem or the situation a little different. Once I go through those step and I am truly honest with myself and the criticism still persists I pull them to the side and ask them what's the problem. I don't raise my voice, I do not get disrespectful with them...I just want to know because many times it's their problem not yours.
I have learned over the years that many people are not happy with themselves and just your presence makes them angry because of the peace you have within. Some people are not going to like you 'just because', plain and simple.
Some criticism is needed when you and I know we are not doing our best and some people have our best interest at heart, we have to learn how to deal with constructive criticism; and some people may have a legitimate reason to criticize but do not have 'people skills' but then there are people that criticize just because they can and that is when we have to call on our Lord and Savior to give us the right way to respond. We are all human and some days are better than others when dealing with critical people. Read this passage before going to bed and before leaving the home for work/school...
**Ephesians 6:10-17(Amplified Bible)
The Armor of God
10In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
11Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
12For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
13Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
14Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,
15And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the [a]firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness [b]produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.(B)
16Lift up over all the [covering] shield of [c]saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].
17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit [d]wields, which is the Word of God.
This reminds you and I at all times, we can't help what people think of us but it helps you and I prepare for battle on a daily basis.
Have a Blessed, Safe and Peaceful day.
"Lord, teach my children to persevere in all they do, and help them run with perseverance the race set before them".
other devotions for today: Whatever the Circumstances, Sin and Suffering, God Put You In My Way
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