When giving criticism, we must make the pill as easy as possible for the other person to swallow. It'll never be easy, as none of us like to hear our own faults and flaws, but the pain can be alleviated somewhat. How do we do this?
We must provide for the hearer a way out. Mere criticism without a solution gives way only to guilt and condemnation. Without a practical solution or an assurance of mercy, the hearer of criticism will only be torn down.
Our call is to build up in love, not condemn. Therefore, a criticism without encouragement will always be incomplete and detrimental. We may not always have the solution, but we always have in Jesus Christ mercy and hope. Therefore, let us build one another up by speaking the truth, even tough truth, in love.
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