I used to be very critical of everybody and everything that didn’t do things the way I thought they should be done and didn’t believe the same way I believed. I have been trying to change so that I am much less critical. This is especially true since I realized that much of what I criticize in others comes around to happen to me.
But there was still one group I tended to criticize…I am now critical of those who are critical…
I now find myself thinking, “I can’t believe how critical they are! All they do is judge people who they know nothing about. Don’t they see how negative they sound and how damaging it is to Christian love and unity to be so judgmental and critical?”
Ironic, isn’t it?
It’s like pride. As soon as you think you’ve got it mastered, you’ve lost the battle.
It’s so easy to fall into that.
At least you’ve realized it’s a problem!
Helen,
You and your posts have been helping me in this. Also, the posts at Doable Evangelism are very helpful as well. Thanks!
Jeremy, you’re welcome!
You worry too much.
Criticism is fine as long as it is constructive and objective. You know, like mine. 🙂
If you find yourself being more critical than you would like, it seems to me that would be symptomatic of allowing a discussion to get too personal.
I imagine for someone like you it would be difficult to sufficiently distance yourself from your usual subjects, but you shouldn’t beat yourself up over it.
BTW, I have mastered pride. So there!
Sounds like me.hehe.now I’m taking everything one step at a time and really trying to be more compassionate.doesn’t always happen though.