Daily Delight
One of my natural “gifts” is complaining and criticizing. I can be a snarky sucker. I used to even justify my critical nature with pride-filled opinions like, “I’m just really observant, so I notice things that other people don’t.” Then one day, my husband and I were watching the other participants in a sporting event (that I did not win first at by the way). I was mouthing off about how “if she would improve this she would do better.” When he looked over at me and said, “Why are you so critical, Faith?”Ouch. That hit me like a ton of bricks. Was I really that critical? Were complaining, critical, snarky remarks really all that I could come up with to say? Yep. Apparently.It had become so second nature to me to look for flaws in another person’s performance that complaints and criticism just spewed out of my mouth without me even noticing it.
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” -Philippians 2:14-15 (ESV)
You know what is not fruit of the Spirit? Criticism. Complaining. The only perfect One, the only one who actually had a “right” to point out flaws and missteps chose to traffic in mercy and love rather than criticism and unkind words. If I want to look like Jesus to the world, I desperately need to shut my pie hole when I feel like complaining and criticizing and choose to speak words of life and unity. Trust me, when you see people through the eyes of our Father, there is always something good to say. Always.
About the Author
Faith Hanan
Faith Hanan is a fierce and fun-loving Jesus follower passionate about seeing Christians live wild and free. She and her husband, Nate, started thewildandfree.org whe