Accusation, criticism, and faultfinding

Point of discernment

The Hammonds identify an ACCUSATION group and place judging, criticism, and faultfinding within it. In their broader rejection model, they show how accusation can divert attention from personal hurt: blame may be turned against others or against oneself. Derek Prince separately identifies criticism, gossip, and destructive use of the tongue as areas requiring deliverance.

Present pattern

Constant faultfinding, judging motives, criticism, gossip, shifting blame, false accusations, difficulty accepting responsibility, or persistent self-condemnation.

Possible root

In the Hammonds’ model, accusation may be connected with rejection. Other areas to discern where genuinely present include hurt, bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy, pride, and fear of personal responsibility.

Effect

Loss of trust, damaged reputation, conflict, division, loneliness, hard-heartedness, and difficulty receiving grace for oneself and others.

Discernment without accusation

Naming actual abuse or error is not an accusatory attitude. This card must not be used to silence a person who was harmed; what is discerned is a pattern of speech and entrenched condemnation, not the disclosure of truth.

Spiritual response

Forgive without denying harm; confess personal judging, criticism, gossip, and false accusations; correct lies or damage caused by one’s words; renounce the spirit of accusation, faultfinding, and condemnation; reject self-condemnation; receive grace in Jesus and speak the truth in love.

Sources

Sources: Frank and Ida Mae Hammond, “Pigs in the Parlor” — ACCUSATION; Derek Prince’s teaching on demons and the use of the tongue.