Seek to understand, not criticize

Here’s a blog about the importance of seeking to understand people instead of bringing them down with our words of criticism.

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Words are powerful.

It can either destroy or build people, relationships, career, and even your health.

However, for some of us, it seems that we are more on the side of destroying rather than building.

One of the deadliest ways for us to destroy other people is through criticism.

Now, don’t get me wrong, there are certain types of criticism that is helpful.

These types of criticism are constructive and objective.

These criticisms are given in love and genuine care for the person receiving it.

What I want to focus on this blog is the type of criticism that seeks to destroy people.

Instead of helping them build up themselves, you are actually making things worse for them.

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So, why is criticism so destructive?

I have written an article about this and if you want to read it, here’s the title link, “5 Compelling Reasons You Should Stop Being Critical to Others.”

It’s a great article to help you see why you need to become more understanding of other people rather than put them down.

So, be sure to read the article.

Now, back to my main point.

Criticizing other people puts them on the defensive.

Instead of winning them to your side, they will think of a million ways to prove you wrong.

Instead of repairing breaches, you are actually adding insult to the injury.

Instead of peace, you are promoting conflict.

Moreover, criticism could prevent you from seeing people’s point of view.

Understand, not criticize

So, instead of criticizing, be understanding.

Ephesians 4:29 tells us:

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

The word edification here means to build up.

Before you let words come out of your mouth, you need to think about it first.

Ask yourself, “Are the words I’m about to say going to build or destroy?”

[Don’t forget to read, “5 Compelling Reasons You Should Stop Being Critical to Others.”]

Remember that nobody is perfect.

Everyone has problems.

Everyone has issues.

You never know what people are going through.

The last thing they want to hear is the toxic words that might come out from you.

Moreover, take into consideration that criticizing others is dangerous not just for others, but also for you.

By criticizing others, you are also showing your character.

You are revealing who you really are.

Here’s the thing, my friend:

If you try to go looking for something to criticize, you will find something to criticize.

If you go and look for something to appreciate, you will find something to appreciate.

It’s just how the law of focus work.

So, be generous with honest praise and compliment.

But at the same time, be cautious when criticizing others.

As what Yahshua (Jesus) said:

“… With the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Matthew 7:2).

Basically, what Jesus was saying is this:

With what standard you use on other people, it is the same standard that will be used on you.

So, be careful with your words.

Seek to understand, love, and care for others.

Life is more beautiful that way.

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