“Hannah was praying in her heart,
and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard” (1 Sam 1:13)
Hannah was irritated and made miserable by the hurting words of Peninnah. Hannah could have responded by criticizing her for being the lesser loved wife. But she decided not to do that. She decided to carry her burden to the Lord instead of directing her irritation towards her opponent. God blessed Hannah by a miracle and thus shut the mouth of Peninnah.
When we receive harsh criticism that makes us cry, our natural tendency is to hit back with cobra eyes at our opponent. It could be our friends, neighbours, husband, children, grandchildren or in-laws. Criticism may be voiced with a view to correct us, hurt us or even innocently with no intention to give us pain. Any criticism is painful.
Analyse the criticism. If it was done with a good spirit to point out a flaw in you, then accept it with a gentle spirit and try to improve yourself. The benefits will be great in the longer run and your friend will be more willing to point out your mistakes in the future without fear of offending you and help you walk the path to perfection. Constructive criticism builds you up.
On the other hand if the criticism shot at you was done with the idea of pricking you, your immediate tendency is to pounce on the person and counter-criticize. Instead you can ‘Take it to the Lord in prayer’ like Hannah.
We also often fall into the temptation to criticize thoughtlessly. In daily life we come across children and adults with many irritable qualities. After a few gentle corrections, if you find it irritates them, stop criticism and resort to prayer. Gentleness and love take away the sting from criticism. Remember also to appreciate them generously. Those who are appreciated receive criticism happily. That’s the secret for handling children and adults.
Ephesians 6:4 tells us to handle children without irritating them. The knack is in developing relationship first. Advice or criticism falls in deaf ears where there is no relationship. Once the relationship is solid, you’ll witness miracles.
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
Click here for more options
To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
Chintadripet,
Chennai 600 002, India.
+91-44-28450411, 8806270699
blc@bymonline.org
“Hannah was praying in her heart,
and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard” (1 Sam 1:13)
Hannah was irritated and made miserable by the hurting words of Peninnah. Hannah could have responded by criticizing her for being the lesser loved wife. But she decided not to do that. She decided to carry her burden to the Lord instead of directing her irritation towards her opponent. God blessed Hannah by a miracle and thus shut the mouth of Peninnah.
When we receive harsh criticism that makes us cry, our natural tendency is to hit back with cobra eyes at our opponent. It could be our friends, neighbours, husband, children, grandchildren or in-laws. Criticism may be voiced with a view to correct us, hurt us or even innocently with no intention to give us pain. Any criticism is painful.
Analyse the criticism. If it was done with a good spirit to point out a flaw in you, then accept it with a gentle spirit and try to improve yourself. The benefits will be great in the longer run and your friend will be more willing to point out your mistakes in the future without fear of offending you and help you walk the path to perfection. Constructive criticism builds you up.
On the other hand if the criticism shot at you was done with the idea of pricking you, your immediate tendency is to pounce on the person and counter-criticize. Instead you can ‘Take it to the Lord in prayer’ like Hannah.
We also often fall into the temptation to criticize thoughtlessly. In daily life we come across children and adults with many irritable qualities. After a few gentle corrections, if you find it irritates them, stop criticism and resort to prayer. Gentleness and love take away the sting from criticism. Remember also to appreciate them generously. Those who are appreciated receive criticism happily. That’s the secret for handling children and adults.
Ephesians 6:4 tells us to handle children without irritating them. The knack is in developing relationship first. Advice or criticism falls in deaf ears where there is no relationship. Once the relationship is solid, you’ll witness miracles.
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
Click here for more options
To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
Chintadripet,
Chennai 600 002, India.
+91-44-28450411, Mob:8806270699
blc@bymonline.org
