May 25, 2011

Critical Words

Words that build up.
That's what we all desire, need.
Words that make souls stronger.

A critical person adds to the wearing of the soul.  
I do enough of that on my own.
When I am surrounded by the criticizing, I have no hope of getting it all right.  That's a hard pill to swallow for a pleaser.
Do you have a critical person in your life?

I've learned (the hard way) that I will never be able to change the criticizer.  I will never be able to do all that is expected, the right way.  It is painful to live life alongside a person doesn't look for the good in others.

Thankfully, the Lord has opened my eyes to the lies I was believing.  I have realized what a gift I have in my husband (who chooses not to criticize me, when he has many opportunities on a daily basis.)
Even greater a gift, is my Heavenly Father who does not seek for the bad in me, yet rejoices in the good.
Sometimes we see God as the one with the giant "NEEDS IMPROVEMENT" stamp in His hand just waiting for us to do something wrong.  In actuality, He sees only good, through His love and mercy.  He does not tolerate evil, but when He sees me, He sees the beauty of my faith in Him.

Oh that I would look for the good in others.  It is not my job to look for the mistakes, the poor choices, the trivial.  I want to be a woman who chooses to seek the good in others and rejoices over them, just as my Heavenly Father does for me.

8 comments:

Sarah said...

Yes, yes, and yes. I have actually been going through this with my negative, pessimistic mother...whom I love because she is, and always will be, my mother. I pray daily for god to help me extend grace and love to her and not allow her pessimism to enter my head. I cannot change her, but I can change how I respond.

Amanda said...

Thanks for this great reminder!

Mom said...

You are so good at being an encourager! And I love the way your sweet hubby encourages you & treats you royally!
Your faith in God really is a thing of beauty, to Him & to those who know you. You are beautiful inside & out!

sherri said...

I stumbled upon your blog a few weeks ago and have started "checking in" on a regular bases.You are so uplifting to me.I had just prayed to God this morning for help with seeing things more positive so I appreciated your thoughts today.Thanks!!

Kellie said...

Great thoughts. I believed those lies for a long time as well. Thankful for God's revealing Word.

Amy said...

I want to ditto what Sarah said above.....except it's my mother-in-law that is SO negative ALL the time. It makes it so hard to want to be around her. I too pray for her & also pray that I will be more careful with MY words.....I want to be a joyful encourager!!

Amy said...

I want to ditto what Sarah said above.....except it's my mother-in-law that is SO negative ALL the time. It makes it so hard to want to be around her. I too pray for her & also pray that I will be more careful with MY words.....I want to be a joyful encourager!!

Joy for the Seasons said...

Love this!