UNPACK This...Courageous CommunicationSample

Faceless Criticism

Kevin Durant made one of the biggest free-agent decisions in NBA history when he chose to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder to join the Golden State Warriors.

It seemed like everyone had something to say about Durant, and most people were voicing their negative feelings about the signing.

However, despite the noise surrounding Durant, one of the interesting comments he made was, “All that stuff happens on the Internet. I haven’t had one person come to me and say anything negative. It’s easy for the critics on the outside to tell you what to do, to tell you how to play.”

This isn't surprising considering it constantly happens in the media world. Hosts rip players during their show, and when they come on to do interviews, the hosts only speak highly of them.

It’s common in our lives for people to complain, criticize, gossip, and tell everyone else their feelings about someone or a specific situation, but not share it with the individual face to face.

Unfortunately, people aren’t always genuine when speaking to others directly because they’d rather go behind their backs to talk negatively about them.

However, if we have opinions or reasons to be upset with someone, it's crucial to discuss them openly and honestly, and lovingly come to an understanding.

The Bible encourages us in Matthew 18:15, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”

Although it’s very challenging to bring up our issues with other people, when we try to mend relationships, the discomfort is well worth it.

Ultimately, when we understand the grace Jesus has shown us, we can give the same grace when dealing with relational conflict. Change happens when we bring our complaints, hurts, and criticism to the surface in love.

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for allowing frustration to build up, instead of approaching people directly with my concerns. Please help me be open with those who have hurt me so those relationships can be mended. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.