“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other” (Galatians 5:15, NIV).

It sometimes seems like everybody’s a critic, doesn’t it? They don’t like your clothes. They don’t like your hair. They don’t like your friends. And they really don’t like your politics.

So what do they do? They tell everybody else what they feel is wrong with you! In their pride and sense of self-importance, they spread the word as an authority about YOU!

So what do you do in return? Do you start picking back at them? Do you try to out-bash them to the friends that you share?

The Bible instructs us to never fight “bad” with “bad.” Instead, we should shrug it off and present ourselves as honorable and full of God’s Truth.

“So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you” (Proverbs 9:8).

It seems like those that criticize negatively won’t listen anyway. However, if someone is critical of you, yet they are genuinely trying to be helpful, then those people are wise and you will be able to discuss any misunderstanding in a helpful and loving manner.

The Bible further instructs us in Ephesians 4:29, “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”

If we criticize others or respond to the criticism of others, then our response, our posture, and our words should reflect the heart of Christ. We are supposed to do these things in Compassion and Love, but also in Truth.

It’s sort of a case of NOT fighting Fire with Fire, but fighting Fire with an Ocean of Living Water!

David McCall

Executive Pastor