The conclusion of our “Those People” worship series may likely be the most difficult to live out in Christian Love. How do we love those critical of us?
Sometimes negative people express their disfavor because of their own sour spirit. For these people, there is nothing that could be done well enough.
Sometimes sensitive people cannot take the least bit critique because of their own fears or insecurities. “People pleasers” chase after acceptance like a dog after his tail.
Most often, I would challenge, life falls somewhere in-between the above opposites. Well-intentioned people criticize and relatively well-grounded people have to work to cope with the criticism.
What’s a Christian to do?
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” – Proverbs 29.25
“Our purpose is to please God – not people” St Paul clarifies and invites us to refocus our attention on the Lord’s mission and purpose.
The key to loving critical people is found in focusing on the Lord’s face – not theirs; working to find God’s approval rather than another’s. It supplies a focal point that is eternal and places our soul’s work before a loving God who has already sacrificed for our best interest!
Come be inspired to focus on God who first focused on you!
I look forward to seeing you in worship!
Pastor Karl