A friend strikes with good intentions, but an adversary kisses generously (Proverbs 27: 6)
After he finished preaching about spiritual gifts, the pastor was greeted by a woman at the front door of the church. The woman said, "Pastor, I believe that I have the gift of criticism."
The pastor said, "Do you remember the man who had one talent in Jesus' parable?
Do you remember what he did with that one talent?"
"Yes," answered the woman, "he went and buried his talent" (see Matthew 25:18).
The priest smiled and said, "Go and do the same!"
Criticism that is not delivered with love and a sincere desire to help, can be cruel and destructive criticism. Leviticus 19:17 writes, "Thou shalt rebuke thy neighbor in truth, and shalt not bear sin for him." These words are preceded by a warning not to spread slander and nurture hatred.
You can determine when and when to criticize by asking yourself these three questions:
1. Is my motivation to help others?
2. Will I be honest, but gentle?
3. Am I doing this for God, or because I like to criticize?
If your goal is to help, your motivation to love, and your longing to please God, then you can criticize. But if you don't pass all three tests, don't say anything -Richard De Haan
THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE RIGHT TO CRITICIZE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE A HEART TO HELP
*) Take from Daily Meditation