3 Dangers of a Critical Attitude

Women can be extremely critical. So often, we don’t even realize how critical we are. Our critical ways attempt to hide behind motives such as wanting the best for others or being a truth speaker. It is certainly important to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), and desire the best for others; but we must do this minus a critical attitude. It is so important for us to understand the dangers of a critical attitude.

Do you realize that you have a critical attitude? It is only by the Holy Spirit that we can identify our critical ways and it is only by His power that we will be able to turn from them. We desperately need God to soften our critical, hardened hearts.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

– Psalm 51:10

3 Ways to Identify a Critical Attitude

1. Do you easily spot the wrongs and shortcomings of others?

2. Do you judge the actions of others, constantly assessing their decisions?

3. Do you consider yourself a perfectionist? Finding it hard to love others through their faults?

No doubt, all of us answered yes to one or more of these questions. One of the primary reasons that we experience so much strife in our relationships and families is due to our prideful, critical attitudes. Pride is at the root of a critical attitude as we feel as though our way is always best. Pride will often prevent you from even seeing things from another perspective. As we operate with a critical attitude, we are often implying that others should do things the way that we do them. There are dangers, however, in allowing a critical attitude to control you.

3 Dangers of a Critical Attitude

1. Strained relationships. A critical attitude strains relationships as others are unable truly rest within the relationship due to the constant criticizing. Unrealistic expectations and constant criticizing destroys the trust, safety, and security that the relationship should provide.

2. Anxiety. The one with a critical attitude has anxiety due to living with unrealistic expectations and the controlling mindset that is constantly focused on trying to ‘fix’ everyone and everything. The criticized one experiences anxiety due to the constant criticism received. Anxiety arises from feelings of never being quite good enough.

3. Discouragement. A critical attitude discourages others, giving them the feeling of defeat and oppression due to never quite reaching the mark. Though the one with the critical attitude often feels as though they are simply wanting the best for others, they often miss how they are truly bringing discouragement on others as opposed to encouragement.

Encouragement empowers others to be their best, discouragement diminishes hope.

I’m humbled as I write this as I am simply sharing with you what the Lord has revealed to me concerning self. I pray that you are more enlightened & encouraged to turn from your critical attitude and allow God to create in you a more loving, compassionate heart.

With love,