Sometimes I have the impression that some people have a bad habit of criticism. They can’t spend one day without criticizing somebody. It’s compulsive. It’s an emotional dependence. Because they are addicted, these people can’t free themselves from the sin of criticism.

I see this in the church. Certain believers come to church as a movie critics go to watch new movies. They participate in Sunday school, saying: “entertain me!” With crossed arms, expecting something. In their minds they have only one thing: This better be good’. So, with relentless eyes, they sit, observe and analyze the lessons, the music or the sermon as a a way of showing off, not as a word of comfort or praising the Lord.

I know a pastor that in beginning of his ministry, he was afraid to receive criticism. When somebody criticized him, he was completely destroyed. That would hurt him tremendously. The years passed by and, as a pastor, he learned that when a sincere believer tried to say that something is not good, it’s because they really care about the church. He learned that he doesn’t need to be afraid of honest people that, with love, disagreement can be considered good. Actually that person wants the work of the Lord to grow. Those words actually, at the end, encouraged him to give his best to the master.

Do your words bring healing or make the environment even worse? Are they harsh or kindly? Word of encouragement or discouragement? Help or confuse? Your observations are said after a period of prayer or are just thrown out as emotions? Do you criticize as an addicted person or a compassionate person?

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