Three Things That Christians Don't SayExemplo

THE YOUNG MAN IN FRONT OF HIS CRITICS

I must admit that I don't handle myself well in the face of criticism (whether it has been destructive or constructive, I don't know). Maybe that's why, when I've had to face questions, I've acted in such a varied way. I have acknowledged my faults, knowing that they would cost me wonderful opportunities at work. On other occasions, I have defended myself by pointing out the inefficiency of leadership or condemning the busy agenda imposed on me by higher bodies. Sometimes I have been indifferent to criticism; other times I have resisted it by keeping painful silences. I have even joined my critics, sometimes using stricter standards than theirs.

Despite that, none of my systems of responses to questions seem to satisfy me. Suddenly, by accepting the criticism, I have ended up assuming the responsibilities of others. On the other hand, by justifying myself, I have missed the opportunity to grow in aspects of my ministry that I must work on. Keeping silent has subjected me to neurotic, sometimes long-lasting periods. Joining my critics has taken me to the gates of depression because I tend to be more incisive and ruthless than them when condemning my mistakes.

I do not intend all my readers to handle themselves the same as me in the face of criticism, but I dare to assure you that more than one has wondered if they should defend themselves from their critics, be silent to avoid conflicts, or accept criticism as an absolute truth.

JESUS IN FRONT OF HIS CRITICS.

The gospels show us that a life of holiness and a ministry in favor of people do not exempt anyone from criticism. Jesus himself suffered it at various points in his ministry. His critics not only questioned his teachings (John 2:19–21; cf. Matthew 27:40), but also stigmatized his miracles (Matthew 12:22–24), questioned his leadership by questioning his followers (Matthew 12:2), and even looked at his origins with suspicion (John 8:41). To make it worse, his brothers were part of his critics (John 7:5).

Criticism is universal and dynamic. The circumstances of power, the vicissitudes of time, and philosophical schools modify it, but they do not destroy it. In addition to that, the criticism is multifaceted. It can be hidden behind a question or camouflaged as advice. Roberto Badenas even affirms that "refined criticism can be disguised as praise."

Criticism, unlike other social evils, does not marginalize or exclude anyone. The slacker, the worker, the genius, the ignorant, the quiet, and the talker are criticized—and the critic himself! And although we have already talked about human criticism of the incarnate Jesus, Christ is also criticized in his condition as the sovereign God of all creation, despite his goodness and mercy.

Jesus warned that the hostility he received, we would also receive. "If the father of the family was called Beelzebub, how much more to those in his house?" (Matthew 10:25). I dare say that criticism is a biblical promise. Christ said, "Blessed are you when, for my sake, they vitulate you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you, lying" (Matthew 5:11).

So, how should we face the criticism? The recommendation that seems most obvious is that we support it without giving it greater importance. In the end, that's what Jesus did, didn't he? It's really more complex than that.

Get the good out of the critics, as the Canaanite woman of Mateo 15 did. This woman approached Christ in a moment of need and vulnerability. When Jesus seemed to say something offensive, she found in those words the perfect argument to ask for the miracle for her daughter (see Matthew 15:21–28).

When you receive criticism, dare to remove all the qualifiers, the irony, the sarcasm, and the hypocrisy that mask it. Look in the background of that comment for something that has value and use it to transform yourself positively. The potential of that element can help you grow.

God bless you!

- Neilyn Solís.