Is caring if people criticize your interests a sin?

Hi Ashley, I suppose it depends on several factors. First and foremost, is this interest (that you don't want to share with others because they may criticize you for it if you do) something that you know that God wants you to share with them? If so, then yes, continuing to hide it from others in that case would most likely be a sin.

Or two, could not sharing this interest of yours with others be somehow detrimental to their well-being in either the short or the long-run? That could also be a sin.

Or perhaps three, could not sharing this thing impugn your character or your Christian witness with the very people you are hiding the truth from (or others) if they ended up discovering what you were doing? (I'm not sure this last one would necessarily be considered a sin, but do you really want to hide what you know from them if your character or witness might be brought into question because of it?)

It would help to know what you are trying to hide from others, but you should not share that here unless you feel comfortable doing so.

One last thing, do you think God is ok with you hiding this particular interest of yours from others, or do you think He would He be displeased with you for doing so?

Yours and His,
David
p.s. - is this something that you may become more comfortable sharing with others if you had a little more time before doing so? If so, then not sharing it (in the immediate future anyway) may not be sinful and could actually be the best thing to do. Have you asked God about this problem yet? Also, whenever I'm stuck about what to do or what not to do about something important, I normally call my pastor.

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It's natural to avoid some criticism. Too much of it is bad. Jesus did not criticize His disciples all the time despite making mistakes very often.

There are "worldly criticisms" as well where you are being criticized using worldly standards. It's okay to avoid this.

There's no sin involved unless you get angry and express that anger by losing control and making actions you'll regret later on.

Ashley755 said:

Can not saying something for the purpose of avoiding someone’s criticism be sin? What if it isn’t nessesary? Should you still do it in that knowledge that, in not doing it, you would be avoiding your initial fear and perhaps sinning as a result?

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It seems from reading scripture that both our LORD and Paul did things that provoked criticism in others, particularly from the religious leaders of their day. And at times they kept quiet or did not show up when they were expected to in order to avoid certain consequences.

So if they are our examples, I would say it be ok either way on that.

Ashley755 said:

And isn’t fear of men a sin? So, if I am afraid of the harsh opinion of another person, am I sinning?

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It depends on the type of criticism or correction. If you fear worldly criticism out of fear of not meeting their worldly standards, then it may be a sin.

It also depends if it is related to your job or work. Jobs are a necessity and if you are required to avoid making mistakes in the job then it's not a sin to uphold those standards and it's not a sin to fear or feel bad about making mistakes in the job (assuming the job you do is not sinful and your employers and company you work for are not exploiting nor cheating other people).

Ashley755 said:

And isn’t fear of men a sin? So, if I am afraid of the harsh opinion of another person, am I sinning?

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Fear of man certainly can be a sin. We are to fear ONLY God. But there is a growth process we go thru to get to that place, and there is being wise in what we say and do.

If you are concerned about it, pray for God's boldness to start growing in you.