There are a few comics that I read every morning for a light, funny, uplifting start to the day. Usually.
Today I made the mistake of glancing at the comments. Every comment under every comic was a criticism. On one comic, someone had ridiculed the way the ant was drawn. On another comic, someone had said that babies kicking inside their mothers would not make the noises the cartoonist had drawn as a way to illustrate how lively the baby was. Really, folks? Did those derogatory comments make you laugh and give you a happy start to your day?
Not everyone is a Christian, so not everyone makes Jesus Christ their example. All who heard Jesus wondered at the “gracious words” that He spoke, words filled with power, spirit, and life. Not criticism.
The book of Proverbs is full of advice about how we should use our tongues: A man shall eat well by the fruit of the mouth; A wholesome tongue is a tree of life; He who is of a merry heart has a continual feast; A word spoken in due season, how good it is; Death and life are in the power of the tongue; A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Why is it easier to criticize than to praise? It shouldn’t be. It really shouldn’t be.
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Stephanie Parker McKean 
It’s an ongoing struggle I have with my students, Steph. They are not mean and nasty, but they seem to find it much easier to be critical than to give praise, which I find rather sad.
Thanks, Val. It is sad. May your Christmas season be joyful…in spite of whatever weather you have outside.
Such an apt commentary in today’s world. As you know, growing up, we, too, were encouraged to be critical and sarcastic. When I hear the commentary around me these days I flinch and wonder how I ever thought it was witty or amusing. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Leslie. God bless you. Sorry. I just now found this. The computer had moved all sorts of things into “Spam.” Have no idea why!