June 17
Acts 11:1-30
How do you deal with criticism and conflict? For most of us, our initial response is defensiveness, anger, and frustration. It is tough when you face criticism from anyone, but especially from those who you would expect to love and support you. Peter had been obediently following God’s commands, but when some of the church found out about his interaction with Gentiles, they were appalled. Rather than encouraging God’s work, they criticized it. They did not understand how someone could disobey tradition by eating with Gentiles.
How would you feel at that moment? Disappointed, angry, sad? Peter instead responded by explaining his actions and the minds of people were changed. This says a lot about the maturity of the church that even though they were initially wrong, they were willing to change their minds when presented with evidence of God’s work. As we may face criticism, Peter presents us with a great example of how we can respond. We need to explain the rationale behind our actions and always choose to obey God regardless of whether others agree with us or not. Choose to obey God, even if it means opposition and criticism from others. And seek to pursue unity, forgiveness, and love when there are disagreements.
Father God, help me to respond to criticism with love. Help me to follow and obey you no matter how others feel about it. Amen.
How can you respond better to criticism and conflict?
How do you deal with criticism and conflict? For most of us, our initial response is defensiveness, anger, and frustration. It is tough when you face criticism from anyone, but especially from those who you would expect to love and support you. Peter had been obediently following God’s commands, but when some of the church found out about his interaction with Gentiles, they were appalled. Rather than encouraging God’s work, they criticized it. They did not understand how someone could disobey tradition by eating with Gentiles.
How would you feel at that moment? Disappointed, angry, sad? Peter instead responded by explaining his actions and the minds of people were changed. This says a lot about the maturity of the church that even though they were initially wrong, they were willing to change their minds when presented with evidence of God’s work. As we may face criticism, Peter presents us with a great example of how we can respond. We need to explain the rationale behind our actions and always choose to obey God regardless of whether others agree with us or not. Choose to obey God, even if it means opposition and criticism from others. And seek to pursue unity, forgiveness, and love when there are disagreements.
Father God, help me to respond to criticism with love. Help me to follow and obey you no matter how others feel about it. Amen.
How can you respond better to criticism and conflict?
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