Topic: Shake It Off [Joyce Meyer Devotional 11 June 2020]
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But [as for me personally] it matters very little to me that I should be put on trial by you [on this point], and that you or any other human tribunal should investigate and question and cross-question me. I do not even put myself on trial and judge myself. . . . It is the Lord [Himself] Who examines and judges me.— 1 Corinthians 4:3-4 (AMPC)
No matter what you do in life, there will always be someone who criticizes you, so you need to learn how to let it go and not let it bother you. Criticism is very difficult for most of us, and it’s easy for our self-image to be damaged by one critical remark. But it is possible to learn how not to let ourselves be negatively affected by others’ negative words. Every great man or woman has had to learn how to cope with criticism. We have to know our own hearts and not allow others’ judgment of us to keep us from moving forward.
People love you when you’re doing everything they want you to do, but they’re quick to criticize when even one little thing goes wrong. The apostle Paul experienced criticism about countless things, but he said that he wasn’t the least bit concerned about the opinions of others. He said that he did not even judge himself, but he knew he was in God’s hands and that in the end he would stand before God, and only He would judge his life.
Prayer Starter: Jesus, when criticism comes, please help me remember that You’re my only judge, and I don’t need to live to please people. Thank You for healing my hurts and giving me grace to let them go. In Jesus’ Name, amen.