One of the things that gets to me is when people express their ideas in a critical rather than helpful manner.
If something isn’t the way it can be then our approach should always be encouragement, creativity or jumping in with sleeves rolled up and a willingness to help.
Somehow the human race has a screw loose though… we often express our ideas in every way possible except the constructive ones.
I’ve got a few close friends and some staff members at church who are of a rare kind. They build up and help as a matter of habit… these are the friends I aim to keep!!
Isn’t that the truth about criticism? We are trained to react negatively because it’s the easy/lazy response (it’s funny how we think that a child is a spoiled brat if he is critical, but once he reaches that undefined age, it’s gladly accepted as ‘normal’ and even expected).
Sadly, it’s unusual to be surrounded by friends who build up rather than tear down. Hang on to them, brother!