What if your holiness were as easy as watching what you see, hear, and speak? Today on the Good Friday Sister podcast, we continue with our five-week series: Guard Your Senses. Why does this matter? Because our senses are gateways to our heart and mind, and when we are vigilant, we transform our lives and become the saints we are called to be. In today’s episode, we are still talking about sins of the tongue…because there are just so many! The main focus? Criticism. When is criticism constructive, when is it destructive, and when should we simply stay quiet? As usual, you can expect to leave this episode with practical advice, holy hope, and a few laughs. If you’ve been known to make a critical comment or two, pour your favorite beverage and settle in. Key Takeaways Criticism is identifying, evaluating, or expressing disapproval of a person’s actions, qualities, choices, or perceived faults. For criticism to be constructive, it has got to be said with love, and the goal is always restoration. Never condemnation. Destructive criticism is usually characterized by a spirit of judgment and condemnation. Perfectionists tend to be overly critical. The whole point of the Christian life is not to avoid sin…but to love God. Key Scripture Proverbs 27:17: As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Galatians 6:1: Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. Matthew 7:1-2: Do not judge, or you will be judged. For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Romans 14:10: Why, then, do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. Psalm 34:1: I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. Hebrews 13:15: Through Jesus Christ, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. Psalm 51:15: Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. Psalm 119:171: May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. Romans 15:11: And again, ‘Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him. Hebrews 3:13: Encourage one another daily. Proverbs 12:25: An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11: Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Ephesians 4:29: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Matthew 12:36-37: I tell you, on the day of judgment men will render account for every careless word they utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. Resources & Links Mentioned: Matthew Kelly, The Forgotten Way: The Saint James Master Plan Seamans Furniture Fr. Gregory Pine, Training the Tongue and Growing Beyond Sins of Speech Divine Intimacy Radio, Interview with Father Gregory Pine Questions for Prayer and Reflection * How can my words become a source of communion and connection with others? * Instead of focusing on the weeds, how can I cultivate the good in myself and others? * When I catch myself being critical, I will pause and ask…what is the desire behind my words? Want to stay in the know? Subscribe to Good Friday Sister on your favorite podcast platform. Want to support Good Friday Sister? Subscribe to Laura’s Substack. Paid subscribers receive access to exclusive bonus episodes. Want to invite Laura to speak at your event? Head on over to her website. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit phelpslauramary.substack.com/subscribe
