Christian Vampires 

Part 2

 

How do we respond to critical people?

 

1. Often, you don't respond

 

23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

1 Peter 2:23

 

11  Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

Proverbs 19:11

 

2. Sometimes, you respond carefully.

 

1 Then the men of Ephraim said to him, “What is this that you have done to us, not to call us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they accused him fiercely. 2 And he said to them, “What have I done now in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the grape harvest of Abiezer? 3 God has given into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. What have I been able to do in comparison with you?” Then their anger against him subsided when he said this.

Judges 8:1-3

 

3. Occasionally, you listen and you make a change.

 

31  The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. 32  Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.

Proverbs 15:31-32

 

4. You always work to guard your heart.

 

18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 12:18

 

10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;

Romans 14:10

 

12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.

Romans 14:12-13