Last August 28, 2018, the School City Organization (SCO) held a forum entitled “How to Handle Criticism.” Mr. Iñigo Pascual, a young Filipino actor, singer, VJ, and songwriter, was the invited guest speaker. He shared his life verse, as he dealt with criticism at a very young age:
James 1:19-21
”Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
He added that no one is exempt from criticism. His three points in handling criticism are the following:
- To think. He said that people will always have something to say about us, but we must remember to always do things with a good and pure heart.
- To reflect. Pascual mentioned that there are 3 types of criticism: constructive criticism, destructive criticism, and self-criticism. According to him, self-criticism can either be constructive or destructive as well, and it is here where one is affected greatly — whether positively or negatively.
- To adjust. There will always be room to grow. We reflect on the criticism. Is it constructive or destructive? How do we benefit from it? How do we reflect God in our reactions?
Mr. Pascual concluded his talk with these reminders for our students:
- That we are first of all children of God.
- In all that we do, we should do it to serve the Lord.
- That we must always bring Him glory.
