Conquering a Critical Spirit: Put Off Tearing Down and Put on Building Up a 7 - Day Plan by Shannon McCoySample

Recognizing the Critical Spirit

I sat across from a friend at a coffee shop initially excited for having a fulfilling conversation. But as my friend began discussing the political climate, I found myself growing increasingly frustrated. I discovered that my friend’s views differed from mine, and I could feel my critical thoughts rising. Without realizing it, I started mentally listing all the reasons my friend’s perspective was wrong. I felt justified in my thinking, certain that I was on the “biblical side” of the issue.

After the conversation ended, I left the coffee shop feeling uneasy. I wasn’t upset about the disagreement. I was surprised by the bitterness and judgment that had surfaced in my heart. It hit me that I wasn’t just passionate about my perspective; I was judgmental toward my friend. I had been more focused on finding fault with her views than listening and understanding.

At that moment, I realized I had a critical spirit.

In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus addresses the heart of this issue. He warns against judging others harshly, explaining that the measure we use to judge others will be used against us. Jesus offers a vivid metaphor: a person trying to remove a speck from someone else’s eye while ignoring the enormous log in their own eye. The message is clear—a critical spirit blinds us to our own flaws, making us hyper-focused on the faults of others.

My conversation with my friend revealed how easily a critical spirit can slip into our everyday lives. A critical heart not only damages relationships but also distances us from God’s grace. When we constantly critique others, we position ourselves as judges rather than extending the mercy and understanding that Christ calls us to offer. In doing so, we miss the opportunity for genuine connection, healing, and growth.

Reflect: Today, take a moment and reflect on the areas in your life where you’ve been critical or judgmental. Where have you been focusing on others' specks while ignoring the logs in your own life? Ask God to reveal those areas where a critical spirit has taken root, and pray for His grace to help you approach others with compassion and humility.

Pray: Lord, I confess that I’ve allowed a critical spirit to take hold in my heart. Help me to see others through Your eyes of grace and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.