CRITICISM – HOW TO HANDLE IT
There are two ways you can respond to negative criticism.
If there’s truth in it, humbly accept it and grow through it.
Sometimes a person’s criticism may actually have nothing to do with you at all; they simply feel cheated by life. And rather than take control of their heart’s dreams, they go around trying to squelch other people’s dreams in an attempt to drag them down to their own level of despair.
And while it’s tempting to want to retaliate and point out their weaknesses and failures, that’s not the example set for you. Nor is it the high road you are called to take.
‘Never pay back evil with more evil.’
Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honourable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.’
What does it mean to turn the other cheek? It means don’t let your critics get under your skin. Simply listen to them, thank them, and take their criticism with a grain of salt.
Save your time and energies for those you trust, those who love you enough to tell you the truth even when it hurts.
Someone has said, ‘You owe nothing to a critic!’
Remember an offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars. Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. The tongue can bring death or life.
Lastly – a thought.
If you were mugged and taken to the hospital, you wouldn’t spend all your time obsessing about the person who beat you up. No, your main objective would be to recover as quickly as possible and move on. Ironically, with physical wounds we seek help immediately, but with emotional ones we’re inclined to focus on the problem instead of the solution.