Day 19 - Handling Criticism

Day 19 - Dealing with Criticism

21 Day Challenge - Through the Holidays

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

~ Romans 8:1 (ESV)

On days of celebration like today, most of you are going to be surrounded by friends and family and sometimes this can mean that we can be faced with criticisms. I’m sure you’re familiar with the voice of criticism from others. It sounds something like this:

“You are wearing that?”

“I don't like the way you baked your sweet potato pie!.”

Or it can be the words of self-criticism i.e.

“You have totally eaten outside of your boundaries. How could you let yourself go like this, you must fix it now.”

"There is too much to do, I am not going to get this all done!"

Let me tell you, God would never say these things to you, but sometimes we’re so used to hearing that condemning voice that we mistake it for correction or constructive criticism.

There is a huge difference between condemnation and correction. God corrects, the enemy condemns.

But you, O Lord, are our God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. ~ Psalm 86:15 (ESV)

This week and beyond we are going to practice leaning into God’s grace when we face criticism and celebrate progress.

So, if you feel you are going to be faced with criticism or condemnation, renew your mind and then ask God how you should approach the situation differently next time.

When you experience victory, immediately praise the Lord and include it in your journal at the end of the day.

So, let’s say NO to condemnation and a resounding YES to God’s grace and loving correction.

I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them.

~ Hosea 11:4

TODAY'S CHALLENGE

Write a scripture prayer based on loving others or write a prayer based on the love of God. When you are faced with criticism from others or self-condemnation read these out loud. You can use the verses below

Verses on Loving Others

https://www.openbible.info/topics/loving_others

Verses on Self Condemnation

https://www.openbible.info/topics/condemnation

Note

If you are short on time today read some scripture prayers from Praying Gods Word, Beth Moore - Chapter 6 "Overcoming feelings of Rejection"