Handling Criticism | Judges 8:1-3

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Our text today is Judges 8:1-3.

Then the men of Ephraim said to him, “What is this that you have done to us, not to call us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they accused him fiercely. And he said to them, “What have I done now in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the grape harvest of Abiezer? God has given into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. What have I been able to do in comparison with you?” Then their anger against him subsided when he said this. — Judges 8:1-3

Right after the victory over Midian, Gideon faces sharp criticism from one of the tribes of Israel. The men of Ephraim are furious that he didn’t invite them into the fight from the beginning. Their pride is wounded, and they “accuse him fiercely.”

Gideon could have argued, defended himself, or even reminded them who really led the battle. Instead, he humbly affirms their contribution, points to their success, and reminds them it was God who gave the victory (not a tribe or tribes). His calm demeanor and theological precision turn their anger into peace.

Every one of us will face criticism. Sometimes it’s fair, but usually it’s fueled by pride, jealousy, or misunderstanding. The natural instinct is to fight back and defend ourselves. But Gideon shows another way—humility.

Handling criticism well doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you’re strong and wise. Instead of escalating the conflict, you de-escalate it. Instead of defending your ego, you point back to God’s work. That’s not avoidance—that’s leadership.

In your life, criticism will come from coworkers, family members, and even fellow believers. You can either let it drive wedges deeper, or you can choose humility that disarms anger and turns conflict into peace. So, the next time someone criticizes you, resist the urge to fire back. Take a big, deep breath, look for what you can affirm or change, and then point the conversation back to God.

ASK THIS:

1. How do I usually respond when I’m criticized—defensively or humbly?
2. Have I ever escalated conflict by trying to “win the argument”?
3. What would it look like for me to deflect credit and point to God instead?
4. Who do I need to respond to with humility today?

DO THIS:

The next time someone criticizes you, resist the urge to fire back. Take a breath, look for what you can affirm, and point the conversation back to God.

PRAY THIS:

Lord, teach me to handle criticism with humility. Keep me from prideful reactions, and help me point others back to Your work, not my own. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me."