Critical Spirit vs. Caring Spirit

ONE:
A Critical Spirit: Condemns the person as well as the action
A Caring Spirit: Condemns the action not the person "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."? (Proverbs 12:18)

TWO:
A Critical Spirit: Focuses on the faults of others
A Caring Spirit: Focuses on self-examination "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" (Luke 6:41)

THREE:
A Critical Spirit: Ridicules others
A Caring Spirit: Refrains from ridiculing others "A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue." (Proverbs 11:12)

FOUR:
A Critical Spirit: Makes judgments based on appearances
A Caring Spirit: Makes judgments based on the right facts "Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment." (John 7:24)

FIVE:
A Critical Spirit: Assumes the worst without first hearing from the accused
A Caring Spirit: Assumes the best while waiting to hear from the accused "Does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?" (John 7:51)

SIX:
A Critical Spirit: Tears others down without seeing the unmet needs
A Caring Spirit: Builds others up according to their the needs "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:29)

SEVEN:
A Critical Spirit: Confronts others publicly
A Caring Spirit: Confronts others privately "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over." (Matthew 18:15)

EIGHT:
A Critical Spirit: Responds harshly when accused by others
A Caring Spirit: Responds appreciatively without quarreling when others give advice "Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice." (Proverbs 13:10)

NINE:
A Critical Spirit: Lacks mercy toward others
A Caring Spirit: Responds with mercy toward others "Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" (James 2:12-13)


Closing Quote: "People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." Unknown

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I took this from my ex-CG member's blog. Thanks George for the post. It's amazing to see someone you've known grown so much :)

Anyway, as I reflected upon this post... I kinda understand why some people do not quite understand certain things about me... like why do I keep forgiving, or why do I mix around with certain people when they don't quite deserve it... why do I always give people second chances, or why do I let others hurt me so easily with their words or what they do? Why do I still sit there and wait, when someone pushes me away? Sometimes I don't quite understand it myself. LOL!

On the other hand, I would wonder, why are others often critical about one another? This even includes brothers and sisters in Christ or the church... Why can't there be second chances when I've been given so many second chances by God and demonstrated by others? Why shouldn't I mix around who might be misunderstood? You won't know they are misunderstood until you really know them. Why shouldn't I mix around with people who have a critical spirit within them? When you can see something more in them that they are now. Why shouldn't I wait... when I know... there is still hope.

Yeah, I get hurt from time to time with the things they say, the things they do... but I'm called by God to have a caring heart... and sometimes I wish that nothing can change that within me. I think nothing would have changed, if I hold steadfast on God's love for me and I truly understand His heart for me and others around me.

However, I feel as if I am slipping through His arms... I feel as if I'm slowly losing my caring spirit and have become more critical about things, people and most often, God. Sometimes it is so so hard to let go of the words said and the things that others have done that have hurt me. It is painful! And not being able to quite express truly what I think or feel about it, makes it worst sometimes. I just need to be more assertive (in the right way), to have wisdom & discernment when I relate with others and also, to do it with His strength & His love, through His perspective, His eyes instead of mine... cuz I am just so so tired now.


"Lord, please help us to have a caring spirit instead of a critical spirit for one another... especially those who are in the body of Christ. We need Your love to teach us on how to treat others with respect and love, instead of our own understanding of it and of others. Only You can change our perspective about people, our preconceived ideas about them.. and help us to not judge others. Help us to look at our own faults first before we look into the faults of others. Give us the strength when we grow weary of having a caring heart for others. Give us the patience when we deal with others 'cuz I know that You know how frustrating it can be :) I know You get frust of us too, because of the silly things we do at times or most of the time. hehe. Teach and cultivate in us a caring spirit. Open our eyes, and let us look it through Your eyes. Let us maintain this spirit in our lives as we grow to love You and one another. Jesus Name, Amen"