Handling Criticism
Series: Devoted
March 03, 2024
Frank Foreman
Philippians 2:14-15… Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world… ————— Often, when we face criticism, the knee-jerk reaction is to become defensive and, possibly to begin pointing a finger at the flaws of our critic. Mind you, it is not necessarily a good thing is someone is constantly critical of others, nor is all criticism constructive. In fact, some criticism can be rather destructive. ————— So how should we respond to criticism as a believer in Christ. First and foremost, we need to humbly consider if the criticism is in any way, warranted. We cannot presume in our pride, that we are somehow beyond reproach and have nothing in our lives worthy of criticism. ————— Also, even in those moments when we deal with people who are being critical of us or or actions without merit, we are still called to be forgiving as our Father is forgiving—remembering that we have also had our moments of weakness when we may have unjustly criticized someone else.
Episode Notes
Big Idea: We must not respond to mistakes as if they were sins.
1. Offer criticism with facts not fiction.
Acts 6:1, Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.
- Do not jump to conclusions.
- Do not judge motives.
- Do give the benefit of the doubt.
Philippians 2:14-15, Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…
2. Receive criticism with humility not haughtiness.
Acts 6:2-4, And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the Word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.”
- Do not become defensive.
- Do not pass the buck.
- Do find a quick solution.
Matthew 25:21, His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”
Next Step: Commit to the following steps when considering criticism:
- Talk to the Lord before you talk to people.
- Bring the problem to the appropriate leaders.
- Be part of the solution not the problem.
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