What should you do about this?
Ellen G. White, one of the great founders of Seventh-day Adventist, gave a very good and inspiring answer to above query. In her book entitled "Ministry of Healing" she encouraged us that we should, "Cultivate the habit of speaking well of others. Dwell upon the good qualities of those with whom you associate, and see as little as possible of their errors and failings."
She further encouraged us, "When tempted to complain of what someone has said or done, praise something in that person's life or character. Cultivate thankfulness. Praise God for His wonderful love in giving Christ to die for us."
And for those who are enjoying and making fun of criticism, she warned, "Evil speaking is a twofold curse, falling more heavily upon the speaker than upon the hearer. He who scatters the seeds of dissension and strife reaps in his own soul the deadly fruits. The very act of looking for evil in others develops evil in those who look. By dwelling upon the faults of others, we are changed into the same image."
She encouraged, "Instead of criticizing and condemning others, say, "I must work out my own salvation. If I co-operate with Him who desires to save my soul, I must watch myself diligently. I must become a new creature in Christ. Then, instead of weakening those who are striving against evil, I can strengthen by encouraging words."
She added, "We are too indifferent in regard to one another. Too often we forget that our fellow laborers are in need of strength and sympathy. Help them by your prayers, and let them know that you do it."
James asserted that, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless" (James 1:26 NIV).
People, remember no one knows when life is over. Our life is like a vapor that appears for a moment and then disappears! So I encourage you, don't let your life die like an insect's without doing something good for yourself and for your fellowmen.
Rebecca Barlow Jordan reminds, "It's not how much you accomplish in life that really counts but how much you give to others. It's not how many goals you reach, but how many lives you touch. Believe in the impossible, hold tight to the incredible, and live each day to it's fullest potential. You can make a difference in your world."
Before I conclude with my article, I would like to share with you a short story of the "Song of the Bird".
Sufi Bayazi says this about himself:
"I was a revolutionary when I was young, and all my prayer to God was … "Lord, give me the energy to change the world."
As I approached middle age and realized that half my life was gone without changing a single soul, I changed my prayer to… "Lord, give me the grace to change all those who come into contact with me. Just my family and friends, I shall be content."
Now that I am an old man and my days are numbered, my one prayer is, "Lord, give me the grace to change MYSELF."
Had I prayed for this right from the start, I should not have wasted my life."
"Finally brothers, 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 NIV).
--- Copyright © 2006 Moises P. Reconalla
My prayer and my aim to God:
May this article help and assist you on how to improve your life in becoming a productive individual, a source of encouragement and a source of inspiration to other people! Remember life is so short so use it for a productive, for a meaningful, and for a peaceful way of living with yourself and with your fellowmen.
She further encouraged us, "When tempted to complain of what someone has said or done, praise something in that person's life or character. Cultivate thankfulness. Praise God for His wonderful love in giving Christ to die for us."
And for those who are enjoying and making fun of criticism, she warned, "Evil speaking is a twofold curse, falling more heavily upon the speaker than upon the hearer. He who scatters the seeds of dissension and strife reaps in his own soul the deadly fruits. The very act of looking for evil in others develops evil in those who look. By dwelling upon the faults of others, we are changed into the same image."
She encouraged, "Instead of criticizing and condemning others, say, "I must work out my own salvation. If I co-operate with Him who desires to save my soul, I must watch myself diligently. I must become a new creature in Christ. Then, instead of weakening those who are striving against evil, I can strengthen by encouraging words."
She added, "We are too indifferent in regard to one another. Too often we forget that our fellow laborers are in need of strength and sympathy. Help them by your prayers, and let them know that you do it."
James asserted that, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless" (James 1:26 NIV).
People, remember no one knows when life is over. Our life is like a vapor that appears for a moment and then disappears! So I encourage you, don't let your life die like an insect's without doing something good for yourself and for your fellowmen.
Rebecca Barlow Jordan reminds, "It's not how much you accomplish in life that really counts but how much you give to others. It's not how many goals you reach, but how many lives you touch. Believe in the impossible, hold tight to the incredible, and live each day to it's fullest potential. You can make a difference in your world."
Before I conclude with my article, I would like to share with you a short story of the "Song of the Bird".
Sufi Bayazi says this about himself:
"I was a revolutionary when I was young, and all my prayer to God was … "Lord, give me the energy to change the world."
As I approached middle age and realized that half my life was gone without changing a single soul, I changed my prayer to… "Lord, give me the grace to change all those who come into contact with me. Just my family and friends, I shall be content."
Now that I am an old man and my days are numbered, my one prayer is, "Lord, give me the grace to change MYSELF."
Had I prayed for this right from the start, I should not have wasted my life."
"Finally brothers, 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 NIV).
--- Copyright © 2006 Moises P. Reconalla
My prayer and my aim to God:
May this article help and assist you on how to improve your life in becoming a productive individual, a source of encouragement and a source of inspiration to other people! Remember life is so short so use it for a productive, for a meaningful, and for a peaceful way of living with yourself and with your fellowmen.
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What should you do about this?