Criticizer or Encourager?

Why is it that our first thought or reaction to a person or situation is usually negative?

I have been pondering this thought for some time and checking myself and my motives here. I find that I spend more time than I care to admit researching and rehearsing the faults and shortcomings of others.....even my own family members and brothers and sisters in Christ! With a friend like me, who needs enemies!?

Verse 10 in the book of Jude talks about those who "speak evil of whatever they do not know."

Criticism, many times, stems from ignorance. People tend to criticize things they do not know anything, or very little about. Most of the time we form opinions and attitudes about others based on assumptions instead of facts. Too often we are quick to criticize, even when we don't know the whole story. Sometimes things can appear to be obviously one way only on further investigation of the facts to be found to be the exact opposite.

Be careful about criticizing others. Too often what you hear is just rumor. A rumor can have an element of truth in it, however usually it is a truth that has a twist to it to make it appear to be something else. Just look at all the stories we are hearing in these charged political times we are living in!

I am working at not being a criticizer but at being an encourager. Let's be a people who are known for always seeking to lift and bless, not speaking evil of whatever you do not know. You will be surprised at how what you give out is what you will get back in return! I'll choose blessings and encouragement thank you!

Have a great week!