“Learning to Listen to Criticism”

Proverbs 9:9, 12:15 , 13:10 , 15:32 , 17:10

#1 Pride can be exceedingly expensive.

Criticism is when another person judges you by declaring that you  have FALLEN SHORT of a particular standard.

A key step is to recognize the idol of SELF
 

#2 Criticism is a kindness, an honor, and a blessing if we have the 
 
HUMILITY to listen to whatever may be TRUE  in it  (Prov. 12:15 ; 13:10 ; 17:10 ; 13:13 ; 9:9; 15:32 ; Ps. 141:5).

We will never be able to welcome criticism as a kindness until we  under stand both God’s CRITICISM and his  JUSTIFICATION of  us through CHRISTS CROSS
 

#3 In Christ's Cross, I affirm God'sJUDGMENT of me   (Gal. 2:20 ; Rom. 3:9-11; Gal. 3:10 ; James 2:10 ).

To claim to be a Christian is to claim to be someone who has  understood  CRTICISM

A Christian is someone who has stood under the greatest criticism  – God’s criticism —and AGREED with it!
 

#4 In Christ's Cross, I affirm God's JUSTIFICATION of me  (Phil. 3:9; Rom. 4:5; 3:20-26).

If the whole world criticizes you, you can reply, “If GOD has  justified  me, who can CONDEMN me?”  

#5 The implications for our response to criticism:

We can face any criticism with confidence.

We can find comfort by seeing God’s hand in criticism (2 Sam. 16:5-7, 11-12).

We can respond to criticism with a spirit of thanksgiving (Ps. 141:5).

We can respond with humility and a willingness to learn. 

We can respond with a spirit of surrender (Rom. 8:33-34).

We can respond with a spirit of submission (Heb. 12:5-6).

Conclusion: “How can I best give accurate, fair, and balanced criticism with much mercy and affirmation?” (Proverbs 9:9; 12:15 ; 13:10 , 13; 15:32 ; 17:10 ; and Psalm 141:5)

Challenge:  Ask yourself, “Do people feel comfortable offering me correction, or do I have a habit of responding with defensiveness and self-justification?”  If you aren’t sure of the answer, ask someone who cares about you.
 
Originally shared at  River Rock Church    Oct 18th, 2009       Pastor Chris Teien   
Message adapted using purchased sermon material from Peacemaker Ministries