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The Basis for Discussion ...

Monday, Nov 4, 2013. When we talk about criticising each other, a key point is the basis on which this takes place. In a Christian environment, there are often remarks made like “it should be with love”. This refers to the motives of the person which speaks words of criticism.

Our background when we listen? …

But let us talk about our own background when we listen to some critical words. In what mode do we hear? In what mode do we receive and listen?

When you learn an instrument, your teacher will tell you a lot of things. You are learning, he or she is the master. You listen, you do what you are told. Your exercise. And your teacher will tell you how to do things. He will be critical. He will listen carefully. He will tell you: this is not good yet, do it like this …

This student - teacher relationship one of the possible templates for situations when someone criticises us. Imagine he now plays the role of the teacher, you play the role of the student.

Another template for situations of criticism is a good friendship. When your friend tells you some things which she or he thinks you should change, then you will listen with open ears. I would say that this defines friendship: that you can say critical words, and you will listen to critical words. Friendship is another basic template for a sound basis for criticism.

Biblical templates …

In the New Testament Jesus calls himself the master. He is the one who is the great teacher. He is, indeed, full of the spirit of God, is God himself who became human “and lived among us”. He brings all the wisdom of the eternal Lord. And this is the basis on which he can and will criticise what we do. He know it well - and he knows good steps and good solutions for every single moment of our life!

The bible demands that Christians - who are all brothers and sisters in the Lord, criticise each other in the love of the Lord. The template of a good friendship is that which is given to us, when it comes to criticising each other. And the template of student - teacher is the one when it comes to the Lord himself.

Being critical with each other is good and it is needed. When we practise supportive criticism, we will not hurt each other, but help each other. And then, the criticism will deepen our relationship. And we should not forget: in all this, the Lord is in the middle of us. He is there, to help and to guide! (Roland Potthast) ... more texts