Constructive Criticism Seeks To Restore. Destructive Criticism Seeks To Tear Down.
Constructive criticism attacks the problem, not the person. Destructive criticism attacks the person and ignores the problem. Its venom is planted by a two-legged viper trying to crush another person’s self-image, character or spirituality with a self-righteous vengeance.
To Restore or Tear Down?
Remember the account recorded in John 8 of the woman caught in the act of adultery? The Pharisees wanted to kill her. But Jesus found a way to restore her. When something within us wants to hurt another person with our speech, we can be sure it’s the voice of evil trying to use our tongues to do its dirty work.
Constructive criticism says, I may not like what you do, but I like you. Destructive criticism is designed from the outset to hurt, to create self-doubt, to foster suspicion. It’s one of Satan’s favorite weapons for destroying friendships, marriages, and churches.
Jesus warns us “men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
There are times when unpleasant truth does have to be told.
Here are four commonsense questions to ask in handling these difficult situations:
Is what I’m about to say absolutely true?
Is it absolutely necessary to tell it, to this audience, at this time, under these circumstances?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Is my motive in telling it pure?
Source: Being Happy In An Unhappy World
Spiritual Growth
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