This Devotional Is Part Of A Special Continuing Series Related To Dependency And Co-dependency Issues. Rules Of Godly Common Sense Apply.

About getting angry, defensive, self-righteous, and indignant when others blame and criticize…

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (NIV)

When others blame you and criticize you, what is to be your Christian response? The Christian response when others blame you and criticize you is to not shoot back at others. No matter how bad someone comes after you with blame and criticism, the most powerful response is either no response or a simple "Thank you for the comment" type of response. When we get angry, defensive, self-righteous, and indignant when others criticize us, we are showing our weakness. We are also fanning the flames of discontent within their heart, mind, and soul. By lashing back at the person doing the blaming and criticizing, we also fan the flames of discontent in the heart, mind, and soul of the person doing the criticizing. Then, one thing leads to another and relationships suffer or come apart. It is easy enough to say "do not shoot back at others" when others are shooting at you. However, we are commanded by Christ, and by seeing His life, we are to be persons showing His love and showing His peace. We are to be persons of peace, not conflict.