Critical Spirit!

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.” Galatians 5:13-15

The church is often likened to a building, a structure being built by God Himself, with each member contributing as a living stone to the construction of something beautiful and eternal. As we work together, we are called to build with care, love, and unity, creating a community that reflects the glory of God. However, just as a building can be damaged by termites or rot, so too can a church community suffer from the harmful effects of a critical spirit. This destructive attitude is like an infestation that, if left unchecked, can weaken and destabilise the entire structure.

A critical spirit is like an insidious infection that spreads quietly, often unnoticed at first. It starts with small complaints, small whispers of discontent, and a tendency to see the flaws in others or the church. The person infected by this spirit focuses on what is wrong, rather than recognising the beauty of what is right. Like termites chewing away at the foundation, this negativity erodes the relationships within the church, causing division and distrust.

In the Bible, the Israelites offer a prime example of how a critical spirit can infest a community and delay its progress. Despite God’s miraculous provision in the wilderness, the people repeatedly grumbled about their circumstances. They complained about the manna, about Moses’ leadership, and about their lack of water. This constant criticism created division, caused bitterness, and delayed their journey to the Promised Land (Exodus 16:2-4). The church can easily fall into the same trap. When individuals focus on faults and flaws, they lose sight of the mission, and the body of Christ becomes fractured.

A critical spirit can also spread throughout a congregation like an infection, contaminating conversations, leading to gossip, and turning the hearts of members away from unity. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul urged the church to “agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” When we allow a critical spirit to take hold, we do the opposite: we invite division, sow discord, and undermine the health of the body.

But just as a building can be repaired and restored, so too can a church community be healed from the infestation of a critical spirit. The first step in curing this illness is to recognise it. As a member of the church, when you encounter negativity, it is important to pray for wisdom. Ask God to help you understand the root cause of the criticism and to show you how to address it. Prayer is like the treatment that begins the process of healing, offering both compassion for the one affected and discernment for how to respond.

Engaging with someone who has a critical spirit requires a gentle, yet firm, approach. Just as a building must be carefully treated to eliminate pests without causing further damage, so must we approach the person with grace. Listen to their concerns, acknowledge their feelings, and then gently redirect their focus to the positive aspects of the church. Help them to see that a unified body is far stronger than a divided one, and that a critical attitude undermines the very foundation of love and unity that Christ calls us to uphold.

One of the most powerful tools in combating a critical spirit is to model the behaviour you wish to see. Just as a building needs a strong and solid foundation, so too does a church need members who build with encouragement, patience, and love. Lead by example—focus on what is good, give thanks for the ways in which God is at work in the community, and speak words of life. When others see this, it can be contagious, helping to turn a critical spirit into one of gratitude and positivity.

The scripture calls us to encourage one another, to bear with each other’s weaknesses, and to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). When we focus on the good and the beautiful work of God in our church, we help fortify the structure of the community, creating a place where growth, support, and love can flourish. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul exhorts, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” This positive, building attitude helps keep the infestation of a critical spirit from taking root and spreading.

If the critical spirit persists and becomes more destructive, it may be necessary to confront the individual with love and truth. This is not done in judgment, but in the spirit of restoration, much like a builder addressing a serious structural issue before it worsens. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus gives clear instructions for resolving conflict within the church. Confronting someone with a critical spirit should always aim at restoration, not condemnation. The goal is to heal the relationship, restore peace, and help the person see the damage that negativity can cause to both themselves and the church as a whole.

Finally, when a critical spirit is widespread, church leadership can play an important role in healing the community. Just as a building needs skilled professionals to repair significant damage, the leaders of the church can help address and resolve larger issues of division and discontent. Their wisdom and guidance can steer the church back toward unity, offering counsel to those affected and helping restore a positive atmosphere.

The church, like any building, is a work in progress. Each of us is a living stone, contributing to the beauty of the structure that God is building. But we must remain vigilant against the infestation of a critical spirit, which seeks to weaken and destroy the work God is doing. By responding with grace, truth, and love, we can contain this spirit, restore unity, and continue to build a church that reflects the glory and unity of Christ. When we work together, focused on building each other up and focusing on the good, the church becomes a place where God’s presence is visible and His work continues to thrive.

Kay Alli