Criticism, no one likes it but it will come to us all at some point. This past week our local paper did a story on Operation Serve, a once a year service project involving over 1,300 volunteers and 30 projects that GCC coordinates each year. It was amazing to watch people make comments online and criticize the church and volunteers for the effort to serve people in our community. I think folks involved did a good job of guarding their responses. Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you or falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” Matthew 5:11. The only way to respond when we are attacked because we serve, care, or innovate in the local church is respond with love. We can respond, but we have to respond in love and count it a blessing that we have been criticized for being Christ to a city. We have nothing to defend…we serve with a heart of love. We serve because we love what God loves.

It is a great reminder that when you step out and try to innovate or make a difference in any community there will be criticism. People always question motives. People will always ask why what we are doing is needed. Criticism will come! We respond with truth and love and remain focused on the mission.