Friday, 29^th October, 2021

Bible Reading: Proverbs 15: 31-32

Memory Verse: In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us Titus 2: 7-8 (NASB)

Criticism is the expression of disapproval for someone or something on the basis of perceived faults or mistakes. Criticism could be constructive (with the intention to correct in love) or destructive (with the intention to hit back). Our attitude to criticism as Christians matters alot. As disciples of Christ, we must develop the capacity to handle criticism maturely. Don’t always expect constructive criticism.

Many will pick on your mistakes in order to pull you down, soil your name and tarnish your image, yet you must show love. “What happens to us in life is not as important as how we respond to them”. It is often said that when life throws lemons at you, turn them to lemonades. If Jesus was criticized, who are you not to be criticized (Mark 2:15-28).

Even the best of your good intentions could be badly spoken of. Funny enough, if you will be objective and analytical, some of the destructive criticism people throw at you could be a platform to becoming a better you. It is all about your disposition and your spiritual/emotional maturity. Gospel Minister Ada Ehi went to her social media platform to preach love against hatred when one of her fans asked a rather derogatory question. The backlash from other fans prompted her to do a short video.

That was very matured of her. In her words, “Love is a universal language”. We are salt to the earth and light to our world. You know, sometimes people’s responses are borne out of their own depraved mind, frustrations, pain and bitterness. We shouldn’t give the devil a chance to use us in the body of Christ against ourselves. In similar manner, the social media went agog when a popular female gospel artist condemned one of the songs of a junior colleague openly during a public function. Oh, terrible backlash followed thereafter. Fine, she shouldn’t have done that in the public since she could have always reached out to her privately. However, we should all mind the way we talk and criticize what has already gone wrong.

Colossians 4:6 (NASB) says, “Your speech must always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt…” On the other hand, despite the “public sympathy” gathered by this junior gospel artist, she never said a word of defamation. What a matured Christian. Thanks be to God, today, the two artistes have reconciled their differences with the latter making a public apology. Brethren, as Christians, let us be careful of how we criticize and how we receive criticism. Let the agape love of Christ be our watchword. The body of Christ must remain united irrespective of our different doctrines.

Quote: How you react to what people say is more important than what they say.

Prophetic Decree:  Receive a heart of love today, in Jesus name. 

Prayer Focus

1. Father of Love, I thank You.

2. Spirit of love, envelope my mind, in Jesus name.

3. We break the backbone of the spirit of division in the body of Christ, in Jesus name.

4. Holy Spirit, please increase my capacity to handle criticism, in Jesus name.

5. I receive grace to speak the word of grace in season and out of season, in Jesus name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: John 11