We are called to love one another
Romans 14:10 “Why do you criticize and pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you look down upon or despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God.(12) And so each of us shall give an account of himself - give an answer in reference to judgment - to God.(13) Then let us no more criticize and blame and pass judgment on one another, but rather decide and endeavor never to put a stumbling block or an obstacle or a hindrance in the way of a brother.” (The Amplified Bible)
I came in to work today opened my email and BAM! I had received a smack in the face by a critical spirit. I say spirit because we have to recognize that its not the person its the spirit behind the person. I find it interesting that I was just having this discussion with a friend of mine and I come into work today and have two emails blasting me with harsh criticism. It saddens me to say this but in the last 2 years I have encountered people that believe the title "Christian" entitles them to harshly judge others. That is not what Jesus called us to do. If we ever hope to bring improvement in others, we need to become people of encouragement. This is the only attitude that will change people, and our actions and words must be devoted to encouraging the spiritual progress of our brethren. Yes the truth hurts sometimes and we all need to be corrected but there is a way to do it in love, when you are correcting someone make sure you check your spirit to find out what your motive is. The motive of the heart is very important when you are administering correction.
The Christian tongue should never be used for anything but good.“Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word, nor unwholesome or worthless talk(ever) come out of your mouth; but only such speech as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others,as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace to those who hear it”(Eph. 4:29).I know at times I have also been at fault for none of us our perfect but we must always be sure to maintain a TEACHABLE spirit. We must forgive and ask others to forgive us when we are to harsh, do not let your pride prevent you from admitting your mistakes, or you put yourself in danger of hardening your heart and allowing the enemy to take root in your life.
The reason that we are to come together as a church is,not to criticize, but to “exhort” (encourage) one another (Hebrews 10:25). “Cursing the darkness” won’t change anything, but we must expose the light of God’s Word. By sharing the truth of God’s Word, and encouraging people to live in its truth, people will change. Love and encouragement is a motivational force. Also before you decide you know whats wrong with everyone may I suggest you inquire of God "first" since many times the faults we see in others are actually the faults that lie within our own heart.
I came in to work today opened my email and BAM! I had received a smack in the face by a critical spirit. I say spirit because we have to recognize that its not the person its the spirit behind the person. I find it interesting that I was just having this discussion with a friend of mine and I come into work today and have two emails blasting me with harsh criticism. It saddens me to say this but in the last 2 years I have encountered people that believe the title "Christian" entitles them to harshly judge others. That is not what Jesus called us to do. If we ever hope to bring improvement in others, we need to become people of encouragement. This is the only attitude that will change people, and our actions and words must be devoted to encouraging the spiritual progress of our brethren. Yes the truth hurts sometimes and we all need to be corrected but there is a way to do it in love, when you are correcting someone make sure you check your spirit to find out what your motive is. The motive of the heart is very important when you are administering correction.
The Christian tongue should never be used for anything but good.“Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word, nor unwholesome or worthless talk(ever) come out of your mouth; but only such speech as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others,as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace to those who hear it”(Eph. 4:29).I know at times I have also been at fault for none of us our perfect but we must always be sure to maintain a TEACHABLE spirit. We must forgive and ask others to forgive us when we are to harsh, do not let your pride prevent you from admitting your mistakes, or you put yourself in danger of hardening your heart and allowing the enemy to take root in your life.
The reason that we are to come together as a church is,not to criticize, but to “exhort” (encourage) one another (Hebrews 10:25). “Cursing the darkness” won’t change anything, but we must expose the light of God’s Word. By sharing the truth of God’s Word, and encouraging people to live in its truth, people will change. Love and encouragement is a motivational force. Also before you decide you know whats wrong with everyone may I suggest you inquire of God "first" since many times the faults we see in others are actually the faults that lie within our own heart.