Criticizing spirit

[LifeHiscost]

 

Anyone who thinks differently than me is an idiot.  

WHAT???? I resemble that remark. Would you like to repeat that with your signature attached?

 

God is Love! Jesus saves!

[LynnDel]

When ever I see posts that include Hate the Sin, Love the Sinner...

I really have not seen the post in a loving the sinner attitude... maybe that is just me.

It's just you, Stan.

Moving on... a criticizing spirit, to me, is when a person makes it their mission, whether purposely or subconsciously, to find something wrong in every situation. They have the skill of sucking the joy out of your day. I have to watch out for this in myself, because I am always looking for ways to make things better, and any comments in that direction can sound like criticism. Self reformation is a hard task.

LD

[Tom Wetmore]

"You've got to accentuate the positive

Eliminate the negative

And latch on to the affirmative

Don't mess with Mister In-Between

You've got to spread joy up to the maximum

Bring gloom down to the minimum..."

-- lyrics from Johnny Mercer's 1940's popular song "Accentuate the Positve"

I first became aware of this song when it was the theme music for the TV series "Homefront"

[hch]

I think perhaps before we presume to hold up a mirror for others, we may need to take a long hard look in it ourselves...

Not sure about others, but there are enough massive logs in my eyes that I need to keep looking in the mirror a while longer... probably the rest of my life.

I'll leave the specks of dust in others' eyes as a matter between them and the Spirit.

 

 

Hey Bravus,

Your post is very insightful. Surely we do not want to become one with the accusor of the brethren.

 

But would Jesus advise us to leave the dirt in anyone's eye?

 

Luke 6:42  "Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye."

 

But there is a danger that if we try to (ever so gently) suggest that there is a problem that needs to be fixed, others will not see the problem but interpret the need to address the problem as an attack on individuals. And they will react according to their perception rather than giving the benefit of the doubt.

 

It makes it difficult. Cry aloud and spare not: Say something and risk hurting someone’s feelings or keep quiet?

 

The sins of commission or omission? What's in your comfort zone?

[CoAspen]

 

But would Jesus advise us to leave the dirt in anyone's eye?

Since I do not have the discernment of Christ......looking at the soul and not the outward appearance....perhaps just let Christ do the work.

Or.....if I feel more qualified........

[Aliensanctuary]

We've all been imprinted with our personality characteristics and behaviors from birth, so our big challenge is to respect the opinions and ideas of others and avoid thinking that only we, ourselves, are correct. We may drag that baggage behind us throughout our lifetime and wound many souls, but in the End, we will be released of that selfish, heavy load.

[CS Granville]

I definitely agree both of you, guys, with your point of contention.

 

However, I rather suggest Luke 6:42 as perhaps one of the most commonly misinterpreted, if not misapplied, texts in a given situation. I am incline to stick to a holistic view of  the law of first intention whereby one must see to it that a "text without a context is a pre-text," that which calls the interpreter to consider all areas of considerations and statement of facts.

 

When one reaches the level of understanding the scripture in the light of God's grace with the power of such gift of discernment given by God to an obedient child, such child of God just cannot be lukewarm but would have that compelling audacity and tenacity to share God's grace by way giving guidance and conveying admonition to an erring brother or sister, much more in the body of Christ.

 

Never forget, a faithful remnant must lovingly adhere to this command in 2 Timothy 4:2 which states, "Preach the word, be instant in season, REPROVE, REBUKE, EXHORT WITH ALL LONGSUFFERING AND DOCTRINE." And the same command must be dealt with compassion and humility.

[joeb]

Adding to what Bravus has said: the Bible warns us that we condemn others of the things we are guilty of ourselves. That gives food for thought and pause before we move forward.

Do you see a difference between criticism and condemnation?  If not, what is "criticism" in your eyes?   Just curious.....

[CS Granville]

I rather suggest that judgment, in a negative sense which is condemnation, only affords one a blanket of disgrace with no resolute of probation to rectify oneself as to repentance.

 

Criticism, on the other hand, if it is meant to reprove, to rebuke and to reaffirm, must be constructive by nature, which is healthy, versus one of destructive complexity, which would only instigate a negative effect upon both sides, the critic and the subject of curiosity in contention, that which brings no healing nor moral and social responsibility. Nonetheless, criticism(s) must be conveyed with compassion and deep sense of humility so as not to subjugate the subject, thereby reducing oneself of his or her self-worth; all in all, it's got to be Christ-centered.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

another way (but not the only way) to look at criticism is whether it was asked for, either explicitly (such as asking for a critique of a book or an outfit), or implicitly (such as posting a view or remark on a forum)... unasked-for criticism of a person or idea, unless it relates specifically to oneself, is often just a rude remark that adds nothing to understanding...

[hch]

Is there a difference between criticism and expressions of discernment? 

[Tom Wetmore]

Hch, they are not even close.

[LifeHiscost]

Is there a difference between criticism and expressions of discernment?

My best informed conclusion is based on whether the criticism is a desire to be helpful for improvement or just a putdown of another out of jealousy or some other negative observation. Since discernment is a gift of the Holy Spirit I cannot imagine it being exercised for negative purposes as all good gifts are from above.

 

God is Love! Jesus saves!

Edited September 22, 2014 by Tom Wetmore
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