CRITIC

Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner."
Luke 7:39

Critics are simply people who don't want to admit they need what you have.
As the woman anointed Jesus' feet and poured out her love for Him, surely many people were quieted by the actions. Who was this woman? Who was she to touch the feet of Jesus! Some probably wondered in silence, while others whispered their displeasure, but Simon, whose dinner it was, spoke out with a critical spirit.
Simon was a Pharisee, so his piety was already known among the people, but to add to it, he said, Simon first questioned Christ's deity (if he were a prophet) then went on to condemn the woman for her sins.
This wasn't the first time the religious population of Israel had questioned Christ's actions. Luke 15:1-2 tells us of another instance that Jesus reached out to the sinners and the Pharisees mocked Him, "Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them." Jesus wasn't elitist in His ministry and He was mocked for it.
Have you ever been mocked or criticized for following God? Our world can't comprehend people who would abandon self interest and live for Someone they have never seen. They only understand what they can see-the here and now-and don't think of what will happen later in life or even in another life. So someone who believes something that hasn't been proven (in their opinion) is worthy of criticism.
Jesus faced critical people wherever He went in Israel. If the Pharisees weren't questioning His motives, people were following Him to find fault in Him. He was constantly questioned, mocked, pointed out, and tested. Yet He didn't allow His critics to keep Him from seeking out the needy.
If you haven't already, you'll soon find out that not everyone will be excited about your desire to live for God. People will question you, try to trap you, test you, and even mock you. But this reaction isn't anything new. The Psalmist faced the same treatment as he wrote in Psalm 25:19, "Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred."
Often critics can cause Christians to quiet their witness or dampen their fervor for Christ. But look to Jesus' example while He was mocked. He looked past their questions and saw people who needed His help.
How do you respond to critics? Do you lash out in anger and defensiveness? Don't allow critics to get under your skin. Realize that they are simply people who do not understand God's love and need salvation and forgiveness.
The next time someone criticizes your Christian life, thank God that your Christianity is evident enough that others can see it, and continue living for Him.