Article April 25, 1994 Issue

Me—criticize?

If we feel others are judging us, there's one important—and helpful—thing we can do right away.

Pamela J. Sampson Bissell

I Had just received news that a relative was coming for a visit. I wasn't very happy about this, because I knew what was going to happen. This person was going to judge and criticize me.

Sure enough, there I soon was in the thick of it: my child rearing wasn't correct; my cooking wasn't quite good enough; my job change wasn't in the best interest of my family; and so on.

I was very unhappy, and knew the only way I could find peace or joy was by turning to God. The Master, Christ Jesus, was always turning people to God for comfort and strength. He also taught us how to love, not just those who love us, but those who don't seem to love us. In Luke he is quoted as saying, "Love ye your enemies, and do good .... Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven" (6:35, 37).

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

In next week's Sentinel—