I like feedback. I see it is as a primary way to learn and grow. Of course, there is a difference between helpful feedback and harsh attacks. Whether we ask for it or not, though, leaders receive criticism of all kinds.

Critics come with the territory. More than 2,500 years ago, the prophet Nehemiah was doing a proficient job of rebuilding the dilapidated walls of Jerusalem. His team was on schedule to complete the task faster than expected. He had enthusiastic support from most of his community.

However, Nehemiah faced intense opposition and criticism from some local troublemakers. At one point, Tobiah the Ammonite scoffed, “Even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones” (Nehemiah 4:3).

Of course, no one experienced more criticism than Jesus himself. Hebrews 12:3 says, “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Offering encouragement is like scattering seeds of hope and life.

Religious leaders scrutinized Jesus and His disciples, hoping to catch them saying or doing something they could use against Jesus (Matthew 12:2; 15:2; 22:15; Mark 12:13; Luke 20:20). Some of Jesus’ followers turned away when they found His teaching offensive (John 6:66). And when Jesus preached in His hometown synagogue, people tried to throw Him off a cliff (Luke 4:29). Despite these attacks, Jesus never quit or abandoned His mission.

As leaders, we can expect criticism to be a part of our journey. However, we need to be careful not to let it seep into our own hearts or the culture of the ministry in which we serve. If we unintentionally join in the criticism, we can perpetuate the problem.

Perhaps you’re in a culture where there are many critical voices. The natural and effortless way to respond in such an atmosphere is to launch a critical attack in return. We protect our hearts by being defensive of our own actions and attitudes.

When someone criticizes our idea, thought, dream or behavior, we may instinctively want to push back with some of our own criticism. Instead, we need to consider what seeds we are planting. We don’t want to sow and fertilize the very thing we should be uprooting.

As leaders, it’s impossible to avoid exposure to criticism, but the thing we can control is our own output. How do we keep our hearts free of criticism? How do we respond the way Jesus did to critics?

First, as followers of Jesus and carriers of His message, we need to remember the depth of our sin and the extraordinary grace of God’s love toward us. We need to cry out to God and ask Him to open our eyes to our own great need for Him. When we soberly evaluate our own need for a Savior, we can stay in a humble position before others.

In the Old Testament, King David’s eyes were finally opened to his sin after he committed adultery with Bathsheba and murdered her husband. David didn’t merely acknowledge his sin in some academic or emotionally removed way. He fell on his face, cried out to God and fasted.

David ultimately experienced God’s grace and forgiveness. Experiencing grace motivates us to extend grace.

Secondly, we need to remember that we can never know with certainty another person’s motives. Only God knows each person’s heart. Only God knows the story, experiences and perspectives behind the criticism. We can only see actions, and the outward expression of internal motives. Sometimes we discern these things rightly, but sometimes we are simply wrong.

We make judgments from our limited knowledge. But God’s judgment is completely accurate and fair. Loving people with grace means giving them the benefit of the doubt — trusting there is more to their stories and that God is still at work in them, just as He is in us.

Third, commit to pray instead of complaining. When we are bothered by another’s actions, we need to pray for both the person and our response to him or her. Negative words can easily lead to negative actions. Nothing removes joy from our lives and ministries faster than complaining all the time. It may not always feel like it, but all the people God puts in our ministry are gifts from Him.

Finally, be an encourager. I believe this is the most effective way to guard against a critical spirit. Hebrews 3:13 says, “Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

God commanded His people to encourage one another because He knows humanity needs it. We live in a broken world, and life is tough. The men and women in your church or organization will face some hard days, suffering, persecution and trials.

When encouragement is absent, our hearts feel unloved, useless and forgotten. God knows people need reminders of His grace, and He often calls on us to provide them.

A great example of biblical encouragement is found in the narrative of Paul and Barnabas. Paul was notorious for his persecution of Christians. He actively spoke out against them, caught them and stoned them. But one day, everything changed. Paul had a miraculous encounter with Jesus on his way to Damascus. After accepting Christ and receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit, Paul started preaching boldly the message of Jesus.

Barnabas heard about Paul’s love for the Lord. But Paul had a reputation. When Paul went to Jerusalem, the people were afraid of him. They didn’t trust him, and they didn’t want him around. But the encouragement and validation Barnabas provided in Acts 9:26–31 helped open the door not only for Paul’s acceptance in the Church, but also for many people to hear the gospel through his ministry.

Encouraging one another thwarts the plans of the enemy, who wants to sow division and keep us from advancing the Kingdom. Offering encouragement is like scattering seeds of hope and life.