Handling Criticism As A Christian

Handling criticism is something we all need to be prepared to deal with. The fact is, criticism is inevitable in this life. As Christians, the way we respond to and handle criticism is a reflection of our faith. It can either be Christ-like or quite ugly and of this world.

We are to represent a Godly response to criticism.

I recently walked into a hornet’s nest of criticism. I posted a video online that I thought was fascinating with multiple points of information, and I was excited to share it. Without thinking once it could cause controversy, I uploaded, posted it, and returned later to discover a couple of individuals took great offense and passionately disagreed with one of the points of the video.

It quickly escalated to me being called “weak-minded” and “irresponsible” by these individuals. I was caught completely off guard by the negative comments.

I intentionally delayed myself in responding to consider, “How do I handle criticism with grace?” Also, the responses hurt and I did not want to fire back in anger. Trust me, I could feel my heart simmering from hurt.

So what do you do when you’ve been criticized and you want to represent Christ well? How do you have a Godly response to criticism? What does the bible say about criticism?

Bible verses about criticism included!

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Handling Criticism

Whether we like it or not, handling criticism is a part of life in this world. Sometimes we’ll get it right, and other times we’ll miss the mark. I’m sharing what I’m learning for how to handle criticism with grace as a Christian which includes:

1. Be on guard.
2. Wear armor.
3. Pause.
4. Consider.
5. Be willing.

Below will share detail on each mark.

How do you handle criticism as a Christian?

How do you handle criticism? What is the biblical response to criticism?

This situation has been an eye-opening and learning experience for me. Handling criticism with grace is possible because Jesus portrayed it and He’s our example to follow. 

Thankfully, it’s not me; although I hope and pray I continue to grow in this area. I’m sharing what I learned (am learning), and what the Lord is teaching me and I pray it gives you a Christian approach to dealing with criticism with grace.

Just know, grace is ours because of Jesus Christ. The goal is to glorify God, not man.

I hope the following will help you and encourage you the next time you find yourself in a similar situation and encourage you to give a biblical response to criticism.

What is criticism?

According to Merriam-Webster, criticism is ‘the act of expressing disapproval and of noting the problems or faults of a person or thing: the act of criticizing someone or something”.

Chances are pretty high you’ve had to deal with negative criticism in your life – whether there’s validity to it or not or whether it’s just or unjust.

Maybe it’s handling criticism as work, or you struggle with how to deal with criticism from family, or maybe it’s a daily battle you have to face with a spouse, or with an individual you have to see on a regular basis.

It hurts and stings. There’s no denying that. Handling criticism is unavoidable in some situations and settings.

How do you deal with negative criticism?

Even though we may want to lash back at the offender, and very likely have good reason to, it’s important to remember Ephesians 6:12:

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

They’re not the enemy. 

It took about 24 hours for this to occur to me and I realized that criticism and disagreement can be a breeding ground for dissension.

Our true enemy thrives on dissension. If he can get us, as Christians, to respond in ugly ways and put a divisive wall between us and others, he’s a happy camper and considers his mission a success.

Friend, we’ve got so much more power within us because of Jesus Christ! These moments are when He can truly shine and show that it is possible to handle criticism with grace!

Please note: I’m speaking to the manner in which these issues are handled in a negative light. I’m not saying disagreements are wrong.

What If You’re Unable to Handle Criticism?

So what if you’re unable to handle criticism and haven’t had a very good track record of dealing with criticism in a positive way?

It’s only been in the last several years that I’ve been able to deal with criticism in a positive way. For most of my life, I was a people-pleaser and would melt at the thought of someone disapproving of me.

I certainly did not have a track record of handling criticism well.

Why? Because I used to base my approval on others. It was exhausting! Many times it led me to being unable to handle criticism in a healthy way because I’d rather the other person be happy with me more than anything else.

It wasn’t until I understood my position and identity in Christ – that I am fully approved because of Him – that I have been able to grow in this area. It makes all the difference in the world when you know your security is in Christ and not in the opinions of others.

Jesus has gone through exorbitant amounts of criticism. He knows exactly how to walk this out. Truly with him, it is possible.

Bible Verses About Criticism

When it comes to handling criticism, what does the bible say about criticism? The bible has much to say about dealing with criticism. If you need a bible verse about criticism, you’ve come to the right place. Soak in the following bible verses about criticism:

• Proverbs 15:31-33 If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
• James 4:11-12 Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you.
• James 1:19-20 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
• Ephesians 4:29 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.
• 2 Timothy 2:24-25 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,
• Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
• Romans 12:9 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
• Ecclesiastes 5:2 Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.

How Do You Handle Criticism As A Christian?

Now it’s time to put each bible verse about criticism in action. The following is what I’m learning with regard to handling criticism with grace.

1. Handling Criticism – Be On Guard.

As I mentioned before, criticism is inevitable. If you haven’t faced it or deal with it on a regular basis, you will.

Part of me feels like I walked into it blindly. In a sense, I wasn’t on guard that a spiritual battle was brewing.

When comments or stings strike a nerve, let that be a warning to you. It’s an Enemy strike, not a flesh and blood hit.

In the future, I hope I recognize this sooner and respond accordingly.

2. Handling Criticism – Wear Armor.

We’re instructed in Ephesians 6:11 NLT to put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 

Breaking this verse apart, why do we need to put on all of God’s armor? So that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

Remember, we noted earlier that our battle is not against flesh and blood. It never is. We are instructed to wear armor because of spiritual battles going on around us.

What armor do we need to put on? The following is from Ephesians 6:14-17:

• Belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness
• Shoes of peace
• Shield of faith
• Helmet of salvation
• Sword of the Spirit, the word of God

When we’re armor ready, we are fully prepared for battle and covered in protection. 

3. Handling Criticism – Pause.

There’s power in the pause. Give yourself time to calm down. Turn to God and ask for His direction and response.

Is righteous anger appropriate? 

Is it best to remain silent and move on? 

Does it warrant a response?

All situations are different and God our Father is a personal God. He will speak into your situation and guide your steps. 

Consider the words of Proverbs 3:5-7:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

Yes, this packed a punch for me, too. How would our response honor God? Pause and consider this question the next time you receive negative criticism.

Taking a pause is wise.

4. Handling Criticism – Consider.

It was during the pause that I actually considered the other person’s heart. I know this was the Holy Spirit prompting me – I’m not that nice. We have a millisecond in time to decide whether we honor God or self when that prompting presents itself.

I’ve chosen “self” for the majority of my life but I’m learning if I make the hard decision to surrender myself and accept the Lord’s prompting, it’s always a better path.

It was so brief but I had this flash of consideration that the criticisms were fear-driven. They were coming from a deep-seated fear in her heart and when I paused and considered this, I felt compassion wash over me for the one who criticized me.

My eyes were opened to both the spiritual war taking place and the love I’m to show as God’s representative.

I text her privately and extended an olive branch of peace which was warmly accepted. I praise God for that because I know it was His work. 

I also know that this response is not always the case for all circumstances. My hope is that in the future, we consider the best way to honor God in our responses.

Lean on Him when He prompts you to go against yourself.

5. Handling Criticism – Be willing.

I’m learning that a willingness of spirit brings peace and freedom when we’re willing to trust and serve God. (Willing is the operative word!) Without a willingness, we’re either stagnant or backtracking.

Be willing to:

• Forgive
• Grow
• Stand against spiritual forces
• Trust God 
• Humble yourself
• Seek counsel
• Pray for the offender

Dealing With Criticism As A Christian Is An Opportunity To Reflect Christ

Our kids and I have been talking about James 1:22 this week, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

As Christians, how we handle negative criticism is where the rubber meets the road with our faith.

Are we any different from the world or are we reflecting Christ with how we respond and deal with criticism? Are we putting action to what we claim?

These are the thoughts that have swirled through my mind and heart since facing my recent bout of criticism.

I hope this has encouraged you and given you points to consider for handling criticism. 

How do you handle criticism? What has the Lord shown you through negative criticism you’ve received?