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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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Closing Quote:
"People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." Unknown
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Source: Biblical Counseling Keys, June Hunt, "Critical Spirit . . . Be An Encourager - Not a Critic". HOPE FOR THE HEART
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