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PROGRAM D-8080
In considering fasting, we usually think of fasting from food, but there are other kinds of fasts that are very helpful. I’ve suggested fasting from hurting words, from worrying, from bitterness, and from pessimism. All of these fasts would make our lives so much better and so much more honoring to the Lord. Here is my final suggested fast: Fast from criticizing and judging others; instead look for the good things you see in them.
I like this translation of Luke 6:37 (TLB): “Never criticize or condemn—or it will all come back on you. Go easy on others; then they will do the same for you.” In James 2:13 (TLB) we read: “For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time.”
That is such practical guidance for our everyday lives! These are the words of Jesus: If you don’t condemn and judge others, you will not be judged and condemned. That is a powerful reason to take a permanent fast from criticizing and judging others, don’t you think?
What causes a critical spirit? Insecurity, for one. Critical spirits build themselves up by tearing others down. Selfishness is a breeding place for a critical spirit. Critical people see everything as all about them and their needs. Also, a thankless heart creates a critical spirit. Instead of being thankful for all the good things in life, the critical spirit grumbles when anything falls short, and complains about what it doesn’t have instead of appreciating what it does.
How do you take a fast from a critical spirit? You ask God to show you your hidden sins—the things you don’t see—and to stop you every time you start to think or say something critical about someone else. Then look for and focus on the good things in others and appreciate who they are. A critical spirit is truly unlovely and unbecoming. It’s not like Jesus at all. As Christ-followers, we should be growing more and more like Jesus.
I hope you’ll think about some of the fasts I’ve suggested, and embark on a fast that will free you from some unlovely and unlovable characteristics.