March 20________________________________________
Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. – James 4:11(NLT)
ON CRITICISM
A poem and essay by ILMA
When was the last time you judged or criticized?
Did you realize it was wrong; did you apologize?
Don’t speak evil against one another
You are all made into the image of your Father.
When you find fault with another person
You are judging God’s law with human reason
Obey the law and you will be free from judgment
God gave you these commands for your atonement.
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Criticism is defined as the expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes. Notice the word “perceived” in the definition? The one judging is actually applying his perception to the person’s behavior. Perception is usually colored by beliefs, experiences, culture and traditions. When you start thinking that someone’s behavior or attitude. You see it in the light of your own belief system and experiences. It is not necessarily true.
The bible cautions us on criticizing or judging others. We are all made in God’s image, so when we judge others, we are actually judging God himself. Our duty is to obey the commands set by God, not to justify ourselves and find fault in others.
PRAYER
Lord, deliver me from a critical spirit.
REFLECTION
What should you do when you feel the urge to judge someone?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com