By Steve A. Hamilton

Matthew 7:1-5 

Introduction: People criticize for many reasons.  Yet, if you are like me, I find criticism is often irritating.  It isn’t that I don’t recognize the value in another person’s opinion.  I seem to get irritated at the attitude in which the criticism is given whether it is justified or not.  So how should we criticize without being irritating?  Or how do we accept criticism without being irritated?  

I.  Before we criticize…

          A. We should consider whether our criticism is beneficial (Prov. 3:30).

                   1. We often criticize others for the way they do things.  But if it doesn’t cause any harm, why make it a point of contention?  It may not be the way you do things but does that make a difference?

                   2. How many times have you heard someone say, “You sang that song too fast.”  Did it cause any harm?  Is it worth criticizing when it is only your preference?

          B. We should consider whether it is an appropriate time to criticize (Prov. 15:23).

                   1. Beneficial criticism given at the right time does a world of good.

                   2. If that criticism is given at a time that causes embarrassment is it truly beneficial?  Could it not wait?

          C. We should consider whether I have a right to complain (Matt. 7:1-5).

                   1. R. L. James stated once, “Have you ever noticed that the members of the church who attend the fewest services know the least about the Bible? They gripe the most, kick the most, work the least, and stand the least chance of getting to heaven.”  Yet, those are the members that seem to level the most criticism. 

                   2. Just like in sporting events, the spectators are the ones who do the most complaining.  The participants already know the difficulties from experience.

                   3. Spectators don’t teach Bible class, preach, visit, teach their neighbors, lead singing or get involved in much of any of the work.  But they are the ones who find it easy to criticize those who do the work (Rom. 14:7-8, 13).

                   4. An eldership came up with the following “License to Complain” form:

To qualify, the applicant must certify:

·        I attend all regular and special worship services of the church, expecting a blessing from each experience.

·        I pray each day for fellow members of the congregation, the preacher, each officer and leader that they may be strengthened and guided.

·        I see that my children take part in all activities for them in the church.

·        I volunteer for, gladly accept, and enthusiastically carry out responsibilities in the church.

·        I visit the sick and the shut-ins and help in evangelistic calling on prospective members.

·        I regularly and systematically give of my income to the congregation, always praying for God’s help in making me aware of my financial obligations.

·        I firmly believe others in the congregation are motivated by good will in their relationship to and actions towards me and I interpret them that way even as I anticipate their love and understanding of me.

          Interestingly, that congregation reported that no “licenses” were ever issued.  Those who applied were not qualified and those who qualified did not apply.

II. When criticizing…

          A. We should consider our words carefully (Prov. 15:28; 25:11-12).

          B. Remember to be kind and forgiving (Eph. 4:32).

III. When being criticized we need to consider the source.

          A. Would you ask for financial advice from a homeless man?  How about marriage advice from a divorcee?

          B. Yet, how many times do we get irritated by the criticisms of the people who know the least (Prov. 16:22; 15:2)?

          C. We must recognize the worth of any criticism from the source giving it (Matt. 7:15-20).

Conclusion: Before we ever think about criticizing again, we need to make sure it is beneficial, given at an appropriate time, while knowing that we are not playing the fool or the hypocrite.  When we criticize, we need to choose our words carefully while being kind and forgiving.  If we are being criticized, please consider the source before we let it irritate us.

Last modified: 05/02/08