“Criticism is something we can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing” (Aristotle). Let our responses display maturity and educate others. Thus, English evangelist, George Whitefield (1714-1770) once responded to a very critical letter accusing him of some wrong: “I thank you heartily for your letter. As for what you and my other enemies are saying against me, I know worse things about myself than you will ever say about me. With love in Christ, George Whitefield.”
I love it! It’s like saying, “When they go low, we go high” (Michelle Obama). Here’s my own take on unkind criticism and how to deal with it:
Unkind criticism is the hobby of fools, the boast of the arrogant, the exploit of the jealous, and the spiritual gift of hypocrites. Learn from criticism if it’s justified; ignore it if untrue, unfair, or ignorant; and, if needed, respond to it with Christian grace and maturity. (Proverbs 15:1, 2).—Samuel Koranteng-Pipim
© Samuel Koranteng-Pipim: Permission is granted to share thought nuggets from this website provided they are reproduced in full and are for non-commercial use only. Pertinent quotes can also be excerpted from the nuggets and shared with others. Users of both nuggets and/or quotes must acknowledge Samuel Koranteng-Pipim as the author and give the appropriate EAGLESonline link as the source.
SAMUEL KORANTENG-PIPIM,PH.D. , is a US-based Ghanaian author, inspirational speaker, leadership trainer, and an advocate for youth empowerment. He was trained in engineering and systematic theology, and has authored more than twenty books. They include his bestselling works Hope Through the Dark, Six More Chances, Healed Wounds but Ugly Scars, and Patience in the Midst of Trials and Afflictions. Dr. Pipim currently directs two Centers for Leadership Development known as EAGLES (Empowerment & Advisory Group for Leadership, Excellence, & Service) and ANANSE (African Network & Advisory for Needed Services & Excellence). www.EAGLESonline.org. He also serves as a special consultant on Bible projects for Remnant Publications. 