Being Critical

“For his letters, they say, are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.”—2 Corinthians 10:10

It can be easy to criticize others. Even people in the Bible faced criticism for what they said and did or for their style and appearance. Some even were critical of the apostle Paul.

Yes, he was a great intellect and brilliant thinker, a man with extraordinary commitment and faith. He was a man whose ministry clearly was anointed, to whom God had given great insights. God used him to establish churches and write much of the New Testament. But some found ways to criticize him.

Paul told the Corinthians that some people said his speech was “contemptible.” The Greek word here suggests that some despised what Paul said and how he said it.

The reality is that it can be easy to be critical. But before criticizing others, we should remember the warning of Jesus, “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). Remember that none of us is perfect. We will be judged based on the way we judge others.

Before judging others, we first are to “remove the plank from [y]our own eye,” so we can see clearly to be able to “remove the speck from [y]our brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5).

Remember the words of Paul, that we are to seek “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3), love others (1 Corinthians 13:2), and be careful before being critical.

Reflection Question: When have you been critical and judgmental, and how can you correct it?