The Uncritical Temper

"In the spiritual domain, nothing is accomplished by criticism" -- Oswald. In fact, Oswald states, criticism damages both the person being criticized and the person doing the criticizing.

What criticism does to the one being criticized:

• hurts and wounds
• causes self-doubt and reticence

What criticism does to the one doing the criticizing:

• prevents communion with God
• makes one hard, vindictive and cruel
• leaves one with the flattering unction that she is a superior person

"Beware of anything that puts you in the superior person's place," Oswald warns and refers to the following Scripture:

"I have a special word of caution for you who are sure that you have it all together yourselves and, because you know God's revealed Word inside and out, feel qualified to guide others through their blind alleys and dark nights and confused emotions to God. While you are guiding others, who is going to guide you?" Romans 2:19-20, The Message.

Forgive me for my critical nature, Lord, and help me to extend grace readily and freely as you have so readily and freely extended it to me.