Handling Criticism Constructively
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12 / HANDLING CRITICISM CONSTRUCTIVELY
Text: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you …” ().
I. Listen to It
I. Listen to It
“The hearing ear, the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them” ().
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. Learn from It
II. Learn from It
“And let ours also learn to maintain good works … that they be not unfruitful” ().
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 smattering of truth in it, learn from it. Use it as a steppingstone and not a stumbling block.
B. Christians should learn from criticism. If there is a smattering of truth in it, learn from it. Use it as a steppingstone and not a stumbling block.
III. Love Through It
III. Love Through It
“For charity [love] shall cover the multitude of sins” ().
A. Jesus accepted criticism with love and compassion. When criticism led to His death on the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them” ().
A. Jesus accepted criticism with love and compassion. When criticism led to His death on the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them” ().
B. We must love those who criticize us, too. Understanding and compassion will enable us to handle criticism. There is no defense against love ().
B. We must love those who criticize us, too. Understanding and compassion will enable us to handle criticism. There is no defense against love ().
IV. Live Above It
IV. Live Above It
“If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye” ().
A. We must not resort to quarreling or self-pity. There is victory over Satan, sinners, and self through Christ.
A. We must not resort to quarreling or self-pity. There is victory over Satan, sinners, and self through Christ.
B. By prayer, faith, and dedication to the cause of God we can live above criticism ().
B. By prayer, faith, and dedication to the cause of God we can live above criticism ().
Spray, R. E. (1977). Soul-Building Sermon Outlines (pp. 18–19). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.