Scriptual Guidance while Handling Criticism Constructively
Notes
Transcript
Text: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you …” (1 Peter 4:12).
I. So, the first thing we need to start doing is Listen to It, be brave, listen to the Criticism.........
I. So, the first thing we need to start doing is Listen to It, be brave, listen to the Criticism.........
Proverbs 20:11–13 “11 Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right. 12 Ears to hear and eyes to see— both are gifts from the Lord. 13 If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat!”
Proverbs 20:11–13 “11 Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right. 12 Ears to hear and eyes to see— both are gifts from the Lord. 13 If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat!”
So, are we open to what others think, or their opinion? Most people won’t even hear someone out, they immediately disagree don’t they? My way or the highway.
So, are we open to what others think, or their opinion? Most people won’t even hear someone out, they immediately disagree don’t they? My way or the highway.
A. Some people imitate the ostrich. They bury their heads in the sand, hoping to avoid hearing, seeing, and knowing.
A. Some people imitate the ostrich. They bury their heads in the sand, hoping to avoid hearing, seeing, and knowing.
B. If we are to improve a situation, we must be aware that it exists. Listen to criticism, but don’t linger over it too long.
B. If we are to improve a situation, we must be aware that it exists. Listen to criticism, but don’t linger over it too long.
II. We have to acknowledge the criticism and then we have to Learn from It don’t we?
II. We have to acknowledge the criticism and then we have to Learn from It don’t we?
Titus 3:12–15 “12 I am planning to send either Artemas or Tychicus to you. As soon as one of them arrives, do your best to meet me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to stay there for the winter. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos with their trip. See that they are given everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive. 15 Everybody here sends greetings. Please give my greetings to the believers—all who love us. May God’s grace be with you all.”
Titus 3:12–15 “12 I am planning to send either Artemas or Tychicus to you. As soon as one of them arrives, do your best to meet me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to stay there for the winter. 13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos with their trip. See that they are given everything they need. 14 Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive. 15 Everybody here sends greetings. Please give my greetings to the believers—all who love us. May God’s grace be with you all.”
A. Many are unwilling to learn from criticism. They stubbornly label all of it as malicious scandal and lies.
A. Many are unwilling to learn from criticism. They stubbornly label all of it as malicious scandal and lies.
B. Christians should learn from criticism. If there is a tiny bit of truth in it, learn from it. Use it as a steppingstone and not a stumbling block. AMEN!
B. Christians should learn from criticism. If there is a tiny bit of truth in it, learn from it. Use it as a steppingstone and not a stumbling block. AMEN!
III. Love Through It, WHAT? SCRIPTURE TELLS US TO ALLOW OUR LOVE TO GROW FROM CRITICISM.
III. Love Through It, WHAT? SCRIPTURE TELLS US TO ALLOW OUR LOVE TO GROW FROM CRITICISM.
Let’s think about something here a minute, I know that I accept criticism better from some than others. Probably most of us are like that. Its in the presentation of the one giving the criticizing isn’t it?
Again, it goes back to the who, what, when, where, and why. All reasons for loving talk. But its the tone, the body language, do we suggest praying before we begin the criticizing? Sure it does.
Again, it goes back to the who, what, when, where, and why. All reasons for loving talk. But its the tone, the body language, do we suggest praying before we begin the criticizing? Sure it does.
1 Peter 4:8 “8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8 “8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
A. Jesus accepted criticism with love and compassion. When criticism led to His death on the cross, He prayed, Luke 23:34 “34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.
A. Jesus accepted criticism with love and compassion. When criticism led to His death on the cross, He prayed, Luke 23:34 “34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.
B. We must love those who criticize us, too. Understanding and compassion will enable us to handle criticism. There is no defense against love. You all might want to write this down,
B. We must love those who criticize us, too. Understanding and compassion will enable us to handle criticism. There is no defense against love. You all might want to write this down,
Galatians 5:13–14 “13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:13–14 “13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
IV. So, we have read the Bible, we are instructed how to handle or react to “undesirable” and maybe hurtful criticism, now we must to to prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to lead us to live above the criticism, We are to Live Above It
IV. So, we have read the Bible, we are instructed how to handle or react to “undesirable” and maybe hurtful criticism, now we must to to prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to lead us to live above the criticism, We are to Live Above It
“If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye”
“If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye”
1 Peter 4:14 “14 If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.
1 Peter 4:14 “14 If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.
B. By prayer, reading God’s Holy word and faith, and dedication to the cause of God we can live above criticism.
B. By prayer, reading God’s Holy word and faith, and dedication to the cause of God we can live above criticism.
Isaiah 40:31 “31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 “31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
AMEN
AMEN
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