How to Face Criticism

Biblical principles illustrated by my story.

Then Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, said to the king, ‘Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over now and cut off his head.” But King David said, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses me, the Lord has told him, ‘Curse David.’

II Samuel 16:9-10

Shemei, a citizen of Israel, curses King David and throws stones.

It goes without saying that personal criticism hurts.

Will Self of Christ’s College, Finchley, once wrote:

‘A creative life cannot be sustained by approval any more than it can be destroyed by criticism.’

True. But just like we can overcome cancer, it doesn’t mean the process doesn’t hurt.

Throughout my Kingdom ministry, I’ve often faced criticism from both followers of Jesus and from others who want nothing to do with Jesus.

Four biblical principles have helped me navigate through the hurt of personal criticism.

After I share these four principles with you, I’ll share a personal story that may help you navigate the criticism that comes your way.

Four Biblical Principles When Facing Criticism

Every criticism that comes your way is a work of God in you that day.

• God’s sovereignty is beholden. I sincerely believe that what I think in my mind becomes behavior when I speak it with my mouth: I believe and say, ‘Leave him (the criticizer) alone. The LORD has bidden him to criticize me’ (II Samuel 16:10).

• Personal humility is chosen. I choose to see criticism as my opportunity for growth rather than a personal attack. God works all things for my good, so I accept criticism as from the LORD and ask, ‘What are you teaching me? ‘God gives us more grace. That’s why the Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble’ (James 4:6)

• Intentional restraint is golden. When facing criticism, my wisest response is to hold my tongue, entrusting my defense to God rather than retaliating in the heat of the moment. Jesus did the same. ‘When they hurled their insults at him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted himself to Him who judges justly’ (1 Peter 2:23).

• A Kingdom response is spoken. Only after the first three principles are applied can I be convinced that my response to criticism will glorify Christ, advance His Kingdom, and encourage the criticizer to trust God and not man (me). ‘A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh answer turns up the anger’ (Proverbs 15:1).

A Personal Story