The Art of Faultfinding

If you chose, you can find fault with anyone. Think about it: even the Pharisees found fault with Jesus, even though the fault was actually with them. Slow down and think about that statement. Don’t pass it up. Now consider the first sentence. You could find fault with anyone, but where would the fault lie: with them, or you? If you find yourself constantly looking for fault in others, it would be a good idea to ask yourself what’s going on, because that’s a departure from love.
  1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
   Here are some reasons people look for said faults. Pride, ego and arrogance attached to low self-esteem. They are compensating for feelings of inadequacy. Much of it is the result of being disconnected to God’s love. Affirmation issues disappear when you fully receive His love and you love yourself the way He does. A second reason that may not be as obvious to some is self-preservation. If you’ve been deeply hurt by others, you may find yourself looking for “fissures in the façade,” as to not be hurt again. If you’ve been betrayed by someone close, it would make it difficult to trust. Trust issues reveal the need for healing, and perhaps, forgiveness. If you haven’t forgiven, you will not heal from the wound. Some people are trained to look at others with suspicion. They grew up with it, because it was prevalent in the culture of their family. This may not be an exhaustive list, but it gives a starting point. Take it a step further, and ask God to reveal what’s going on with you. Most, if not all, have felt critical of others from time to time. Even though it may not be a constant, try to be aware of it. If you find criticism creeping in, pause, take a deep breath and submit to Holy Spirit. The flesh loves to criticize.
   Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
   Okay, let shift gears. We can discern when something is amiss with others. In some cases it can be very blatant; in others, it’s subtle. In the latter, the Lord may reveal it to you. Question: what do we do with the discernment? Do we judge the other person, or do we connect with God’s purpose behind it? What is the purpose of discernment in this case? Reconciliation with God. In other words, we are meant to connect or reconnect them to God’s heart. We may respond by praying for them, or opening our hearts to them, so they have a safe place to go. Those who are struggling, find it difficult to share with others because of the fear of judgment. If they know we’re safe, they may confide in us. In turn, you may help them navigate through whatever they’re going through. In short, let the Lord lead us.
   Galatians 6:1-6 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden.

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