Before I Criticize
Before I engage in the arrogant practice of faultfinding,
I must first do the following:
1. Pause and be sure my heart is right.
Do I really want to help or hinder? Which will I be doing?
2. Examine my own life to see that everything is in order.
Would I be honest in condemning another while I need correction?
3. Try to put myself in his/her place.
How would I be doing if I were bearing his/her load?
4. Remember Gods mercy toward me!
How often have I asked for the mercy of God?
Should I not extend it to him/her?
5. Consider the benevolence of others.
My brethren have often borne with me in failure.
Can I not now bear with him/her?
6. Remember how I was hurt when last criticized.
How can I delight in inflicting that pain on another?
7. Pray for my brother and myself.
I need to pray for him that he might overcome,
and for myself that I might be forgiven for even
considering sinning against him/her.
8. Go to my brother in humility and love.
There I can confess my shortcomings and help him see
the need for repentance in his life.