While constructive criticism is a helpful part of academic discipline and business relationships, socially, criticism which is personally motivated is destructive and, in the church, it is a menace.  That is not just because it hurts people, but because the critic has no understanding of the judgement seat of Christ.    

Such a person has no practical eternal-perspective and is consumed by self-importance, which reduces fellowship to a formality and team-working ministry to a power struggle.  In their obsession to have church the way they think it should be, and excited by their own ‘spiritual’ contributions, they need to beware of Jesus’ words, “I never knew you. Away from me you evildoers!” (Matthew 7:21-23).

Paul said that the death and resurrection of Christ are not just the means of salvation but are also the authority for God's judgement (Acts 17:31).  If we believe in a risen Saviour, we need to understand that we have also bowed to the authority of a righteous judge.  So, to criticise other believers is foolish, because: we can never know all the facts; we have no authority over our brother; and we ourselves will have to present ourselves before the throne of God to tell Him everything we have ever said (Matthew 12:36).

Yet wagging tongues continue to erode love within the church and the integrity of its witness.  The high opinions of ignorant believers are often more destructive than attacks from unbelievers: as the foundations of trust are undermined and love becomes more guarded.  The church cannot afford such luxury, while the gospel-hungry world watches impatiently hoping to get a glimpse of God's love.  What is the solution?  Every believer needs to understand the gravity of appearing before God's judgement seat and the necessity to be humble before the Cross (2 Corinthians 5:10).  That will bring faith and relationships into the sharp focus of eternity.