How to Handle Criticism and Complaints

Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining and arguing

1-Get honest with God and yourself
           Proverbs 28:13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and TURN from them, they will receive mercy.
               Something in each of us strongly resists admitting we was wrong. That is why we admire people who openly and graciously admit their mistakes and sins. These people have a strong self-image. They do not always have to be right to feel good about themselves. Be willing to reconsider-to admit you are wrong and change your plans when necessary. And remember, the first step toward forgiveness is confession.
     Complaining and blaming is not just a bad habit but a sin.
DO NOT MURMUR-every time you are angry it's because you are holding a grudge on someone.

2-STOP blaming Others for your unhappiness and faults:
               Proverbs 20:3 Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.
               Ephesians 4: 2-3  Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each others faults because of your love. make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
    No one is ever going to be perfect here on earth, so we must accept and love other Christians in spite of their faults. When we see faults in fellow believers, we should be patient and gentle. Rather than dwelling on that person's weaknesses or looking for faults, pray for him or her.
               Matthew 6: 14-15  "If you forgive whose who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive you."
               Mark 11:25 "But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins too."
    There are 3 kinds of people in this world. Which one are you?
1-Accusers      2-Excusers    3-Choosers

3. Focus on what YOU HAVE and not what YOU DON'T HAVE:
Foucs on what is LEFT and not what is LOST
1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14 I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to posses that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Philippians 4:11-14  Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you ave done well to share with me in my present difficulty.

4-RESPOND CORECTLY when you are criticized. Don't react . Don't reward negative behavior.
Stay FOCUSED on the task at hand.
Luke 12:2-3 The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted form the housetops for all to hear!
     What are the signs of hypocrisy? (1) Hypocrisy is knowing the truth but not obeying it. People can say they follow Jesus, but not be obedient to his Word.  (2) Hypocrisy is living a self serving life. People may desire leadership only because they love position and control, not because they want to serve others. (3) hypocrisy reduces faith to rigid rules. People can end up worshiping their own rules and regulations about what they think God wants instead of worshiping God himself. (4) Hypocrisy is outward conformity without inner reality. People can obey the details but still  be disobedient in general behavior. For example, a person may carefully tithe his income, but be rude and obnoxious to his co-workers. 


Ephesians 4:29-32 Dont; use foul or abusive language. Let everythign oyu say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who can hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Four Point Checklist For Speaking:
1-Is it TRUE
2-Is it NECESSARY
3-Is it HELPFUL
4-Is it EDIFYING