Overcoming a Critical Spirit

It is very easy to see the faults in others and even criticize them for it than to see our own faults and accept it. It is very important to understand that a critical spirit hinders our faith and can even block the power of God being demonstrated in our own lives as we end up condemning ourselves when we condemn others.
Matthew 7:1-5
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
Romans 1:2
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.

A critical spirit is negative, willing to condemn, criticize and tear down a person and is likely due to pride or self-righteousness or unforgiveness. A critical spirit imitates Satan, the accuser. This is exactly what the the Pharisees and onlookers were like when a woman caught in adultery was brought before Jesus. Jesus asked those who did not have any sin to cast the first stone against her and no one did!
John 8:7-11
When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."

We need to realise that just like us, others are also a Work in Progress and God has not finished with all of us yet. We need to strive to be a positive witness for Christ who came not to condemn but to save the world. Jesus, the rightful Judge Himself is always positive and restorative and we need to reflect Him! What then is the cure for a critical spirit? It is Grace. We need to reflect on the grace God has bestowed on us, setting us free when we deserved judgement and death. We need to give this grace to others and extend the mercy we ourselves have received.
Matthew 10:8b
Freely you have received, freely give.
James 2:12-13
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!

Are you a fault finder? If you are reflect on why you are one. Confess your sin before God and accept His grace in your life and pass it on to others! Overcome by doing good to them practically and praying for them! Ask the Holy Spirit to help you get rid of the critical spirit so that you can live freely without condemning yourself.