7/28/2019 Fasting from Criticsm

1/1

Fasting from Criticism

Overview

Generally, we associate fasting with abstaining from eating for a period. But a fast is simply taking a break or pause from

something that we ordinarily do, in order to grow our sense of dependence on God and see things in a new light. This prac-

tice involves purposefully setting aside a periodusually a daywhere we take a break from criticism. We dont indulge in

thinking or speaking negatively (even if we are right!). Instead, we open space to speak words that encourage, and think cre-

atively about problems. One fruit of this practice is an increased ability to see other people (and oneself ) with compassion.

For more from the Bible, look at Matthew 7:1-2; James 1:19-20, 3:1-12.

For a 3-minute video introduction to this practice, visit www.cslo.org/formation

Practicing

Some of us know that we speak too quicklybefore we know it, wounding words leap from our mouths. Others of us are

more reserved in what we say, but quietly find fault with things. Whether we are critical within or without, Jesus is leading us

toward a life free from the burden of judging.

Ultimately, this is something the Holy Spirit must do: No human being can tame the tongue, writes James. To replace a

negative, critical heart with a joyful, loving heart, is not something we produce by effort; it is something the Spirit produces

by grace, apart from any effort of our own. (See Galatians 5.)

Why, then, a fast from criticism? Because oftentimes we have to set aside an old habit in order to clear out enough room to

see things as they really are. When we persist in habits of judging others, we dont see them the way God doesand so we

miss out on the opportunity for our hearts to melt and our compassion to grow.1

Here are some suggestions for a day of fasting from criticism:

t Choose a day in advance. Tell some friends about what you plan to do and ask for their support in prayer.

t The night before, get a good nights sleep if possible. No need to be tired and cranky!

t Begin the day in prayer. Take some extra time to offer your day to God. Especially thank Him for the grace and forgive-

ness He has offered you.

t Refrain from speaking any critical wordsboth to others, and to yourself. (For example: dont complain about other

drivers to yourself in your car!)

t It is a good idea to choose a short prayer or verse that you can say when you find critical thoughts rising, because

they will! Dont be discouraged or frustrated or try harder to stopinstead, simply pause, acknowledge the critical

thought, and give it over to God. Allow each critical thought to become a bridge back into Gods forgiveness.

t When you are faced with something frustrating, attempt to approach it with God, asking Him to help you see both the

humor and the hope in the situation.

t After the day is over, reflect on the experience with some friends. What did you learn about yourself? About others?

How does this affect the way you feel God views you, and others?

1 You might be thinking that this sound suspiciously like being changed by our own eort. But it is not! Rather than seing a rule: I will

be loving to all people, we are simply pausing from our negativity as a way of saying, Lord, please change me!is is what Paul is talking

about in Philippians 2:12-13.