Steps to Solution for a Critical Spirit

IV. STEPS TO SOLUTION

The Lord is using traumatic trials to help Job gain a greater understanding of God and to grow Job into a more faith-filled man of God.

Ultimately, the Lord is Job’s “heavenly sandpaper.”

And no matter how tough Job’s tragedies, they will not take his life.

In fact, honor—double honor—is just around the corner.

For the Bible says, “… whoever heeds correction is honored”

().

Proverbs 13:18 ESV

18 Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored.

Like Job, we all need a little “heavenly sandpaper” to help smooth over the “rough edges.”

But those who appoint themselves to be our personal heavenly sandpaper can leave us worn down … emotionally rubbed raw.

Without a doubt, God uses our close relationships to teach us the truth about ourselves—the truth about our rough edges.

But rather than wearing us down, He builds us up so that we can become all He created us to be.

Rather than leaving us discouraged, He helps us feel encouraged and causes us to change.

Clearly, constructive criticism can reveal specific areas in our lives that need to be refined.

But when you seek to give “constructive” criticism, be certain that God has directed your words—that they are carefully chosen and spoken in truth and with love.

But be aware, too much coarse sanding will be resented and result in being rejected.

Prideful criticism will always be rejected.

However, if the criticism of you is incorrect, be calm—not curt or critical.

The book of Proverbs makes this point plain …

“A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them”

().

Proverbs 14:3 ESV

3 By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them.

A. Key Verse to Memorize

Job’s three finger-pointing friends speak words that are terribly distasteful—words too difficult to stomach.

Rather than their conversation being filled with grace, they are filled with faultfinding.

The unholy trio is determined to get Job to own up to his supposed guilt, while Job is just as determined to maintain his innocence.

This negative approach does nothing to encourage positive relationships.

People get stuck in a stalemate—and no one wins. So whether you give or receive constructive criticism, the Bible says …

()

Colossians 4:6 ESV

6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Why salt? Known as “white gold” in ancient times, salt has always been highly valued. Previously used as money for commercial trade, today salt is used:

(1) to season food, which enhances flavor,

(2) to clean cuts and abrasions, which acts as a disinfectant,

(3) to melt icy roads and sidewalks, which prevents different kinds of accidents, and

(4) to preserve food, which without refrigeration keeps it from quickly spoiling.

When the Bible says, “Let your conversation be … seasoned with salt,” envision the “salt” of your words being used wisely …

• To produce enhanced enjoyment in all your relationships

• To purify your wounded relationships by speaking healing, grace-filled words

• To prevent the accidental “slip of the tongue” and the use of caustic, critical words

• To preserve your reputation and keep it from being spoiled

Scripture reminds us …

()

Matthew 5:13 ESV

13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

B. Key Passage to Read

James 3:1–12 ESV

1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

Job feels the piercing power of the tongue unleashed by his three friends.

But another man stands waiting in the wings for a chance to speak … to use his own tongue in an attempt to impart truth.

Elihu (Hugh for short)—the youngest of Job’s visitors—is angry with all of them.

None of Job’s friends finds a way to refute him, yet they all find ways to condemn him.

And he’s upset at Job’s implication that God would be unjust.

Oh, the power of the tongue! Isn’t it interesting how small objects can possess great power?

The power of the tongue seems far out of proportion to its size.

A large horse is controlled by a small bit in its mouth …

an enormous ship is controlled by a small rudder.

says …

James 3:5 ESV

5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!

“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”

We can learn much from . The tongue, though little, can be …

• Powerful—like a small bit, turning a huge horse., v. 3

• Forceful—like a small rudder, steering a massive ship., v. 4

• Dangerous—like a tiny spark, igniting a great forest fire., v. 5

• Devastating—like a searing fire, burning the whole body., v. 6

• Corrupting—like an evil force, instigated by hell, v. 6

• Untameable—like a restless evil, full of deadly poison, v. 8

• Contaminating—like a two-faced hypocrite, both praising and cursing others., v. 10

• Distasteful—like a flowing spring, embittered by salt water, v. 11

• Contradictory—like a fig tree bearing olives

—like a grapevine bearing figs, v. 12

Based on the Bible, this fact is true:

Polluted water and pure water cannot pour out of the same stream.

Likewise,

if praise to God and criticism of others flow from the same mouth,

the conflicting inconsistencies reveal that something is desperately wrong with the source

—the heart is impure,

for (ESV) reveals, “out of the abundance of the heart” the mouth speaks.

Luke 6:45 ESV

45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

C. How to Stop Growing a Crop of Criticism

Elihu (Hugh) starts out with the voice of reason amidst a torrent of emotion.… “So listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong.… It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice” (, ).

While Hugh eloquently espouses truths about the character of God, he—like the others—eventually grows a crop of criticism where Job is concerned. He wrongly assesses the cause of Job’s multiple tragedies.

“Is there anyone like Job, who drinks scorn like water? He keeps company with evildoers; he associates with the wicked” (). Hugh pressures Job to repent and proclaims: “Now you are laden with the judgment due the wicked; judgment and justice have taken hold of you” ().

But the criticism will stop … when God speaks. And, oh, will He speak!

In truth, you can grow a “crop of criticism” even if you usually are not a critical person.

These “crops” can suddenly sprout up through circumstances in which you cast a critical eye or bend a critical ear.

With the source of your criticism rooted in resentment toward others,

you eagerly point out their flaws.

You may not recognize when you are being overly critical,

but God does … and so do those who know you best.

The Bible even says …

“All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.”

()

Proverbs 16:2 ESV

2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.

If you desire to quit growing a crop of criticism, first pray that you will see your “seeds” of criticism from God’s perspective. Then ask yourself:

• What causes me to become critical?

• What kind of looks do I give when I’m being critical?

• How do I act when I’m being critical?

• Do I express a critical attitude …

— When I’m around certain people (family, friends, coworkers, acquaintances, neighbors)?

Who: _______

— When I’m required to go to unpleasant places?

Where: _______

— When I must engage in undesirable activities (social, work, recreational)?

What: _______

— When I feel unsettling sensations (anger, fear, frustration, grief, embarrassment, disgust, impatience)?

Which one(s): _______

— When I have been unjustly treated (disrespected, ignored, misquoted, insulted)?

How: _______

— When I think about those who are unlike me (educationally, physically, socially, racially, politically, spiritually)?

Who: _______

— When I talk about controversial issues (political, religious, moral, or personal convictions)?

Which one(s): _______

• Why do I have a critical spirit toward these people, places, or situations?

(Explore the reasons for each one listed.)

Once you have identified your crop of criticism, pray for God’s discernment to:

• Explain your crops of criticism to someone spiritually mature who is able to support you in making godly changes.

• Enlist the help of an accountability partner in making two lists: first, those whom you need to forgive and second, those from whom you need to ask forgiveness.

• Exercise your resolve to ask forgiveness of others and to extend forgiveness to others.

• Examine your thought life in light of God’s Word.

• Enter into an agreement with God to allow His Word to “sift out” your critical spirit.

• Expel all thoughts that do not pass through God’s scriptural grid.

• Exchange your critical thinking for God’s correct thinking.…

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

()

Philippians 4:8 ESV

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

D. How to Have a Transformed Life

Up until now, Job’s judgmental tribunal has delivered speech after speech … rightly glorifying the greatness of God, yet wrongly accusing Job as a flagrant sinner. God has been quiet, but it will soon be evident He hasn’t missed a single word.

Now it’s God’s turn to impart truth, which, in the end, can transform each man’s life.

There’s an old saying, “If you aim at nothing, you are certain to hit it.”

In truth, God wants you to set your sights on a target and aim carefully.

This isn’t just any target, but the one God has selected for you …

one that will change your life …

one that will make you more Christlike.

Notice how the apostle Paul took such careful aim.…

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.…”

()

Acts 20:24 ESV

24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Reaching the Target: Transformation!

Target #1—A New Purpose: God’s purpose for me is to be conformed to the character of Christ.

“Those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son …”

().

Romans 8:29 ESV

29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

— “I’ll do whatever it takes to be conformed to the character of Christ.”

Target #2—A New Priority: God’s priority for me is to change my thinking.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”

().

Romans 12:2 ESV

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

— “I’ll do whatever it takes to line up my thinking with God’s thinking.

Target #3—A New Plan: God’s plan for me is to rely on Christ’s strength, not my strength, to be all He created me to be.

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me”

( ESV).

Philippians 4:13 ESV

13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

— “I’ll do whatever it takes to fulfill His plan in His strength.”

My Personalized Plan

Suppose someone said to you, “When I think of you, I think of Jesus.”

How would you feel?

In the deepest part of your heart, wouldn’t you like to have the character of Christ be evident in your life?

If so, what was He really like?

Do you perceive Jesus as having a critical spirit or a caring spirit?

Did Jesus have a judgmental spirit toward people, or did the truth He spoke judge them?

And when His words exposed the sinful reality of their hearts, were they not accompanied by a merciful offer of redemption?

People were drawn to Jesus because He was an encourager, not a critic.

While He didn’t ignore sinful behavior, He wasn’t the classic “faultfinder” either.

Instead, He was concerned with recognizing and meeting needs, most importantly our need to have our sins forgiven through His death and resurrection.

When you experience authentic salvation, the Bible says you have “Christ in you”

();

Colossians 1:27 ESV

27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

therefore, you have the capacity to care rather than to criticize.

Colossians 1:27 ESV

27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

If you truly want to be like Christ, don’t be a critic

enlarge your heart to become an encourager. …

—enlarge your heart to become an encourager. …

“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”

()

Philippians 2:1–2 ESV

1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Changing a Critical Heart to a Caring Heart

• A caring heart sees its own shortcomings.

— Humble your heart to see your own sin, your imperfections, and your immense need for God’s mercy.

— Rather than measuring yourself by human standards, measure yourself by God’s standard—the perfect Savior.

— Instead of making sure others see how significant you are, help them see their significance in God’s eyes.

— Pray, “Lord, may I see my sin as You see it, and may I hate my sin as You hate it.”

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting”

().

Psalm 139:23–24 ESV

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

• A caring heart has active compassion for others.

— Look closely at the life of Christ to learn His compassionate way of confronting the truth.

— Consider the woman caught in adultery—a crime in that day … worthy of death. Jesus didn’t focus on her fault. Instead of condemning her, He looked beyond her fault and saw her need.… Then He compassionately met that need. (Read .)

— Look at the woman at the well who had been in multiple marriages and was living with yet another man. Although Jesus knew all about her, He didn’t focus on her fault. Without ignoring her sin, He chose to focus on her need and then compassionately met her need. (Read .)

— Pray that you will not be a critical stone-thrower, but a compassionate “need-meeter.”

“As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience”

().

Colossians 3:12 ESV

12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

• A caring heart draws out the heartfelt needs of others.

— Listen not only to what people say on the surface, but also for feelings beneath the surface—feelings of being unloved, insignificant, and insecure.

— Learn the “language of love” that speaks to the heart—a thoughtful note, a favorite food, a surprising gift, a tender touch, or reaching out to one of their loved ones.

— Ask: “What can I do to improve our relationship?” Listen carefully, then repeat what you hear.

○ Reflect: “Are you saying …? Is that what you said?”

○ Clarify: “It sounds as if you feel.…”

○ Explore: “I’m not sure I understand what you are saying.…”

○ Extend: “Is there more?… What else do you feel?”

○ Offer: “What would be meaningful to you?”

— Pray that God will give you a discerning spirit as you seek to draw others out.

“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out”

().

Proverbs 20:5 ESV

5 The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.

• A caring heart offers acceptance to others.

— Realize, everyone has an innate fear of rejection and a deep yearning for acceptance.

— Recognize, God accepts you just as you are … even with your faults. You are His beloved child in whom He takes much pleasure.

— Choose to be a channel through which God extends His acceptance to others.

— Pray for God to reveal the ways you have rejected others and the ways to reach out with a heart of acceptance.

“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.… for God has accepted them”

(, ).

Romans 14:1 ESV

1 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.

Romans 14:3 ESV

3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him.

• A caring heart sees God-given worth in others.

— Recognize, the worth of something is most often demonstrated by the price paid for it.

— Look at how the Lord demonstrated the worth of every person by paying the highest price—His life. With His blood, He paid the necessary ransom to redeem you from the penalty of your sins.

— Treat every person—including the most problematic—as someone with God-given worth. After all, God judges our hearts, attitudes, and actions toward others.

— Pray that the Lord will not allow you to despise anyone He created. And pray that you will see others as God sees them … and value them as He values them.

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows”

().

Luke 12:6–7 ESV

6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

• A caring heart praises the positives in others.

— Refuse to be a pharisaical faultfinder. The Pharisees even found fault with the faultless Son of God.

— Avoid the temptation to “catch” people doing something wrong. Instead, comment on what they are doing right.

— Compliment outer characteristics (cleanliness, sweet countenance, modest clothing, etc.) and praise inner character: “I see that you have wisdom … perseverance … thoughtfulness … integrity.”

— Pray that you will see something positive in every person, then faithfully make that your focus.

“The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere”

().

James 3:17 ESV

17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

• A caring heart doesn’t wound others with words.

— Understand the fallacy of the saying, “Talk is cheap.” Talk is costly … when it tears others down. Consider that what you are criticizing in someone may be something God wants to address directly with that person … meanwhile, He wants you to remain silent and to pray.

— Before speaking words of criticism, ask a wise friend to evaluate your content and tone. Realize, after critical words are spoken, you can never take them back.

— Inspire those needing to change with your belief that they can change: “Don’t give up.… God will guide you in the way you should go.… I know you can make the right decisions.… I believe you can experience God’s best.”

— Pray for God to put His words into your mind … and your mouth.

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom …”

().

Colossians 3:16 ESV

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

• A caring heart sees the unmet needs of others.

— Realize, people who put down others have at least one unmet inner need … the need for love, for significance, or for security.

— Instead of judging the inappropriate actions of others, seek to understand the need behind their actions.

— Realize, people don’t always mean what they say or even understand the needs behind what they say.

— Pray that your critics will allow the Lord to meet their deepest inner needs.

“My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus”

().

Philippians 4:19 ESV

19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

• A caring heart relies on God’s Word and God’s Spirit for wisdom.

— Seek God’s wisdom by reading a chapter a day from the book of Proverbs. This book of wisdom was written by Solomon, whom God gifted with supernatural wisdom. (Read .)

— Write down every verse from Proverbs that pertains to the tongue. By looking at this list, determine whether you are being wise with your words.

— See God at work in every circumstance and trust Him for wisdom to know how to respond. (Wisdom is the ability to look at life from God’s point of view.)

— Pray for God’s Spirit to teach you spiritual truths and lead you to speak these truths in love.

“This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words”

().

1 Corinthians 2:13 ESV

13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

E. How to Respond When Confronted for Being Critical

When God finally confronts Job and his accusers, His constructive criticism of Job starts the process of personal transformation.

Job had flooded the heavens with questions about his desperately despondent situation. But God makes it clear—as Job’s Creator—that now He’ll be asking all the questions. The poignant truth is this: God owes us no answers.

The Lord also makes it clear that Job’s accusations have cast a shadow over the character of God. Indeed, Job challenged God. In turn, God challenges Job!…

“Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: ‘Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ ”

()

Being confronted about our personal wrong is never pleasant, but always necessary for spiritual growth and for developing healthy relationships.

If you are to be conformed to the character of Christ, you must change.

And change is the purpose of confrontation.

God’s heart for you is that you respond to confrontation with humility and wisdom, seeking God for keen discernment and the power to change when the criticism is legitimate.

Change is never about pleasing people, it’s about pleasing God, who commends those who heed constructive criticism.…

“Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it, but whoever respects a command is rewarded.”

()

Proverbs 13:13 ESV

13 Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.

Resolve to respond to criticism in a way that is biblical and reflects the character of Christ.…

• Make your relationship a priority over your need to always be right.

“The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?”

().

1 Corinthians 6:7 ESV

7 To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?

• Demonstrate a heart willing to understand the other person’s perspective. Be willing to change where necessary and to heal any relational tension.

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”

().

Romans 12:18 ESV

18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

• Listen carefully, even if you disagree with the other person’s opinion. Give yourself time to consider what the other person says before you respond.

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry …”

().

James 1:19 ESV

19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

• Respond with humility. Release your reputation to God and ask Him to help you with your relationships.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time”

().

1 Peter 5:6 ESV

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

• Consider those who confront you as being gifts from God. Flattery builds your pride, but confrontation helps you grow in the Lord.

“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses”

().

Proverbs 27:6 ESV

6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

• Maintain dignity and discernment. Allow God to speak to you through the other person. Your confronter may be someone who can help you overcome your critical attitudes. Even if you do not agree with your confronter, God may still use this opportunity for you to esteem the confronter for both the courage displayed in confronting you and for the value placed on your relationship.

“Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding”

().

Proverbs 15:32 ESV

32 Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.

• Consider the counsel of your confronter without being defensive or reactive. God may be using this person to help you grow closer to Him. The benefits of confrontation may include coming closer to God, living a more loving lifestyle, and growing more intimate with your confronter.

“Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy”

().

Proverbs 29:1 ESV

1 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.

When You Don’t Want to Be a “Know-It-All” …

Question: “What should I do if I usually know the correct answers but I don’t want a ‘know-it-all’ reputation?”

Answer: The issue isn’t knowing all the correct answers, but rather knowing what to do with your knowledge. For starters:

• Don’t assume that you should always correct people when they are wrong or when they make a mistake, unless the consequences to them or someone else is substantial or life-threatening.

• When you do express your thoughts in a conversation, you could follow with, “What are your thoughts?”

• Don’t assume that you should always be the first to give an answer when questions are asked.

• Ask God for wisdom as to when to speak and when to be silent.

The book of Proverbs gives us this warning …

“Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.”

()

Proverbs 29:20 ESV

20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

F. How to Ask Forgiveness for Being Critical

G. How to Respond to Your Critic

H. How to Forgive Your Critic

I. How to Confront Someone Who Has a Critical Spirit

J. How to Respond to Criticism from Significant People

K. How to Triumph with Truth