Do You Need to Confess a Critical Spirit?

Mockery can seem to be innocent, but is it? James wrote, “Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another” (James 4:11a). If we honestly and prayerfully ask the Spirit to search and convict our hearts, we may begin to see the root of criticism branching out in all differing directions. Gossip, slander, mockery, and cynicism are all forms of criticism. They are all products of a critical spirit, and the list doesn’t end there. Beneath all of the “bad words” are ill inclinations driving a critical spirit.

Pastor John Piper explains, “It is a failure to realize that we, too, are sinners, and that the grace that has been shown to us in Christ should govern our speaking about others and our speaking to others.” Grace is favor or goodwill. It’s by God’s grace we are forgiven from our sins. There is nothing we can do to earn, attain, or retain it, Scripture emphasizes. Living life within the love of Christ motivates us to pay grace forward. We are given the gift of confession, so when we recognize, or even before we do, we can confess a critical spirit – among our other sins – and ask God to renew a right spirit in us.

Daily, God’s mercies are new. Each morning, we rise to fight another battle, and live another day. We all need to be encouraged. Encouragement feels amazing in this world that is battling for our attention, yet stripping us of our sense of self. Even though much of the world is “self” focused, we continue to be drained and pulled in too many directions for our hearts to hold. We were meant to be filled with Christ. Our hearts are designed to beat for him. The Message paraphrase of Ephesians 4:29 reads:

Words of encouragement have the ability to lift another spirit off of the literal ground. Criticism robs us of the opportunity to be a vessel of hope for someone. Human beings are flawed. We’re also fearfully and wonderfully made. People fall short. But our Savior died to save us. In everyone, there is sin, and there is good. When we lean into the Lord’s lead on our lives, we are able to see the good in people. The view of others from His perspective isn’t critical, it’s encouraging.

He knows we’re not perfect. We’re never expected to be, so why focus on it? Instead, He has left His Word behind to lead us down the path of wisdom and purpose for our lives, to encourage us and remind us who He is and Whose we are.

Confess daily that critical spirit. Shake off the ways of the world off. Instead, set thoughts on things above – things like hope, mercy, forgiveness, salvation, peace, love and eternity with God in heaven through Christ Jesus.

More from this author
Store Up the Good Things in Life
What Does It Look Like to Put Our Faith into Action?
Maintaining Our Peace as Children of God

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Meg writes about everyday life within the love of Christ at megbucher.com. She is the author of “Friends with Everyone, Friendship within the Love of Christ,” “Surface, Unlocking the Gift of Sensitivity,” “Glory Up, The Everyday Pursuit of Praise,” “Home, Finding Our Identity in Christ,” and "Sent, Faith in Motion." Meg earned a Marketing/PR degree from Ashland University but stepped out of the business world to stay home and raise her two daughters …which led her to pursue her writing passion. A contributing writer for Salem Web Network since 2016, Meg is now thrilled to be a part of the editorial team at Salem Web Network. Meg loves being involved in her community and local church, leads Bible study, and serves as a youth leader for teen girls.