Is it possible for criticism to become a bad habit for coping with stressful issues? Criticism attacks a person’s character and values, so it seldom succeeds in bringing about positive change because safeguards surface to protect oneself from accusations.
Responses may range from showing anger and rage to internalizing feelings of shame and guilt.
A method for confronting the criticizer is to ask him or her to tell you specifically what you’ve done to deserve the criticism. Then listen for any truth in the criticism, and verbally acknowledge that truth.
This response indicates a willingness to talk through problems rather than argue or fight. It projects an attitude of receptiveness to being corrected. Proverbs 9:9 offers wisdom: “Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser; teach a righteous man, and it adds to his knowledge.” Determine to be a wise person as well as righteous when responding to criticism.
It is never fun to be
corrected. In fact, at the time it is always painful. But if we learn to obey
by being corrected, we will do right and live at peace.
~Hebrews 12:11
Contemporary English Version
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