August 20

Read: Romans 14:11-13

Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way (Romans 14:13).

Conquering Criticism

“A missionary, who had precipitated an ugly situation by a certain speech, told me, when I asked whether he really felt led to make that speech: ‘No. I felt I must say it quickly for fear I would be checked before I got it said.’ That was more honest than most of us care to be, but how often has that been our experience?

“An infinite amount of trouble and misunderstanding among Christians arises out of this persistent temptation to judge others, imputing motives which we have no right to impute. It is true that we are to exercise righteous judgment. The critical faculty is a part of the equipment God has given us. But here is where a legitimate God-given quality can become the agent of self.

“It has not yet dawned in the minds of many Christians that pride of opinion is just as damning and must be dealt with just as decisively as any other sin. Of course the answer always is, ‘But I’m right!’ That is the way we always feel about our judgments. But suppose two sanctified people hold opposite views. Each feels the other is wrong. Actually both are wrong if there is not a disposition to yield! So I must grow in grace. I must stop passing judgment on whether my brother is sanctified when he wears things I cannot wear without pride, or speaks more explosively than I would let myself under provocation, or seems too sensitive about the criticisms I have given for his good. I just do not know whether he has crossed his line in these matters or not, and he is not judged before God by my line” (The Spirit of Holiness, by Everett Lewis Cattell).

Questions For Today

Is my point of criticism necessary? Is it kind? Have I prayed about it?