Criticisms

Criticisms

“I tell you solemnly, all men’s sins will be forgiven, and all their blasphemies; but let anyone blaspheme against the Holy Spirit and he will never have forgiveness:  he is guilty of an eternal sin.”  (Mark 3: 28 – 30)

Jesus reacts here to an unfair and severe criticism.  Instead of gratitude for his miracles, his enemies used his benevolence as a point of attack in order to demoralize Jesus and his followers.  If Jesus had unclean spirit, he would be regarded as a sinister magician.

What is my attitude to criticisms?  Do I feel crushed by them?  Do I succumb to a well-planned trap by being discouraged and abandon some good work?  The first thing to do when faced with a severe criticism is to pause and understand the nature of the attack.  Who is the attacker?  Try to see the motive.  If you determine that this is a spiritual warfare, then follow the advice of the spiritual masters.  “Agere contra.”  To the exact opposite of what the enemy is urging.  If the enemy’s intention is for you to abandon prayer, double your prayers.  

Lord Jesus, help me never to overreact to criticism.  Let me always remember that you who are goodness and wisdom was also criticized.