Vital Signs: Thursday, August 22, 2024

Criticism is NOT a Spiritual Gift

“One should be kind to a fainting friend, but you accuse me without any fear of the Almighty. My brothers, you have proved as unreliable as a seasonal brook that overflows its banks in the spring Honest words can be painful, but what do your criticisms amount to? Do you think your words are convincing when you disregard my cry of desperation?” - ‭‭Job‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬-‭15‬, ‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There is no such thing as the gift of spiritual criticism.

Job was having an extremely hard time. He lost everything. Then boils and maggots arrived in the midst of his grief, physical and emotional pain, more horrible than most of us will ever know. His friends came and were faithfully present and silent for seven days. In his grieving, what Job needed was someone’s presence. Being present, not profound, not someone with all the answers, just someone to be there. Our prayers are the most healing gifts we can give. Then Jobs friends began criticizing him, and his pain intensified. When we criticize others, it hurts them. Criticism is not a gift!

Today, may we find the good in others and breathe life. No criticism welcomed!

Team Wade loves you!!