Seven Sins That Will Destroy Your LifeSample

A critical spirit (1)

Consider what God is saying: Why do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat… Each of us will give an account of himself to God. Stop judging one another (Romans 14:10-12).

The definition of a critical spirit is to talk about someone in a hostile and degrading manner. The question is not so much whether there is truth in what you say but if what you say brings healing and restoration, esteeming others, and showing that you honour others as people created by God. A critical spirit will always lead to gossip, slander, criticism, back-biting, and being judgemental.

There is no excuse for a man who condemns others. In passing judgment on another, you condemn yourself, for you who condemn do the same things (Romans 2:1). Note that it says here that there is no excuse. This is a radical warning. Judge not, lest you be judged; with the same judgment with which you judge others, you will be judged, and with the same measure you measure for others will be measured for you. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye but the beam in your eye you don't? (Matthew 7:-1-4)

A critical spirit can be the result of humiliation or rejection. It often leads to rebellion or bitterness. To defend themselves, people will point out that the other person also has flaws. A critical spirit and condemnation occur without exception in people dominated by greed, jealousy, and self-pity.

A critical spirit is often confused with a gift of discernment, a gift of wisdom, insight, and knowledge. People with a critical spirit usually seek recognition for their "insight and ability to discern." Fault-finding, criticism, and condemnation are not gifts of the Holy Spirit.