IHS TOGETHER / EVANGELICAL CHURCH ALLIANCE INTL.

Handling Criticism! Have you ever been made fun of or criticized for doing the right thing?  The Hebrew scriptures provide for us a story of doing the right thing and being criticized and made fun of for it.  The story is found in the Book of Nehemiah.  If you have gone through a time of opposition, Nehemiah offers some counseling in dealing with critics.  Please read the book of Nehemiah.  The destructive critics make their attacks personal.  They question your motives.  They spread rumors.  They run with other critics.  They resist change.  They are sarcastic.  They use intimidation.  They try to discourage those around you. How does one deal with destructive critics or criticisms?  The prophet Nehemiah used prayer.  When criticized, ask God if the criticism is just.  Pray for courage to change.  Pray for those who are doing the criticizing.  Pray for humility and the ability not to take things personal.  Pray for wisdom, strength, and discernment to keep doing what is right.  The prophet knew that the critics’ problems were not with him, but with God.  When you remind yourself God is in control, you recognize criticism for what it is and you do not allow it to dissuade you.  God was persistent in doing the right thing.  The best way at times to deal with critics is to outlast them, doing what you know God has called you to do. Many times the races that we have in life do not go to the swift, but to the one who perseveres.  If you are going through a time when it seems that everything you try is being met with opposition, if you feel like your critics are being destructive instead of constructive, recognize that when you step out on faith, follow God, and try to make a difference.  You will be criticized.  Expect it and deal with it through prayer, keeping the proper perspective, and being persistent. Blessings, CH K.

Handling Criticism! Have you ever been made fun of or criticized for doing the right thing?  The Hebrew scriptures provide for us a story of doing the right thing and being criticized and made fun of for it.  The story is found in the Book of Nehemiah.  If you have gone through a time of opposition, Nehemiah offers some counseling in dealing with critics.  Please read the book of Nehemiah.  The destructive critics make their attacks personal.  They question your motives.  They spread rumors.  They run with other critics.  They resist change.  They are sarcastic.  They use intimidation.  They try to discourage those around you. How does one deal with destructive critics or criticisms?  The prophet Nehemiah used prayer.  When criticized, ask God if the criticism is just.  Pray for courage to change.  Pray for those who are doing the criticizing.  Pray for humility and the ability not to take things personal.  Pray for wisdom, strength, and discernment to keep doing what is right.  The prophet knew that the critics’ problems were not with him, but with God.  When you remind yourself God is in control, you recognize criticism for what it is and you do not allow it to dissuade you.  God was persistent in doing the right thing.  The best way at times to deal with critics is to outlast them, doing what you know God has called you to do. Many times the races that we have in life do not go to the swift, but to the one who perseveres.  If you are going through a time when it seems that everything you try is being met with opposition, if you feel like your critics are being destructive instead of constructive, recognize that when you step out on faith, follow God, and try to make a difference.  You will be criticized.  Expect it and deal with it through prayer, keeping the proper perspective, and being persistent. Blessings, CH K.

Handling Criticism! Have you ever been made fun of or criticized for doing the right thing?  The Hebrew scriptures provide for us a story of doing the right thing and being criticized and made fun of for it.  The story is found in the Book of Nehemiah.  If you have gone through a time of opposition, Nehemiah offers some counseling in dealing with critics.  Please read the book of Nehemiah.  The destructive critics make their attacks personal.  They question your motives.  They spread rumors.  They run with other critics.  They resist change.  They are sarcastic.  They use intimidation.  They try to discourage those around you. How does one deal with destructive critics or criticisms?  The prophet Nehemiah used prayer.  When criticized, ask God if the criticism is just.  Pray for courage to change.  Pray for those who are doing the criticizing.  Pray for humility and the ability not to take things personal.  Pray for wisdom, strength, and discernment to keep doing what is right.  The prophet knew that the critics’ problems were not with him, but with God.  When you remind yourself God is in control, you recognize criticism for what it is and you do not allow it to dissuade you.  God was persistent in doing the right thing.  The best way at times to deal with critics is to outlast them, doing what you know God has called you to do. Many times the races that we have in life do not go to the swift, but to the one who perseveres.  If you are going through a time when it seems that everything you try is being met with opposition, if you feel like your critics are being destructive instead of constructive, recognize that when you step out on faith, follow God, and try to make a difference.  You will be criticized.  Expect it and deal with it through prayer, keeping the proper perspective, and being persistent. Blessings, CH K.

Handling Criticism! Have you ever been made fun of or criticized for doing the right thing?  The Hebrew scriptures provide for us a story of doing the right thing and being criticized and made fun of for it.  The story is found in the Book of Nehemiah.  If you have gone through a time of opposition, Nehemiah offers some counseling in dealing with critics.  Please read the book of Nehemiah.  The destructive critics make their attacks personal.  They question your motives.  They spread rumors.  They run with other critics.  They resist change.  They are sarcastic.  They use intimidation.  They try to discourage those around you. How does one deal with destructive critics or criticisms?  The prophet Nehemiah used prayer.  When criticized, ask God if the criticism is just.  Pray for courage to change.  Pray for those who are doing the criticizing.  Pray for humility and the ability not to take things personal.  Pray for wisdom, strength, and discernment to keep doing what is right.  The prophet knew that the critics’ problems were not with him, but with God.  When you remind yourself God is in control, you recognize criticism for what it is and you do not allow it to dissuade you.  God was persistent in doing the right thing.  The best way at times to deal with critics is to outlast them, doing what you know God has called you to do. Many times the races that we have in life do not go to the swift, but to the one who perseveres.  If you are going through a time when it seems that everything you try is being met with opposition, if you feel like your critics are being destructive instead of constructive, recognize that when you step out on faith, follow God, and try to make a difference.  You will be criticized.  Expect it and deal with it through prayer, keeping the proper perspective, and being persistent. Blessings, CH K.

Proverbs 9:1-10

Invitations of Wisdom and Folly

9 Wisdom has built her house;

    she has set up[a] its seven pillars.

2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;

    she has also set her table.

3 She has sent out her servants, and she calls

    from the highest point of the city,

4     “Let all who are simple come to my house!”

To those who have no sense she says,

5     “Come, eat my food

    and drink the wine I have mixed.

6 Leave your simple ways and you will live;

    walk in the way of insight.”

7 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;

    whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.

8 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;

    rebuke the wise and they will love you.

9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;

    teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

    and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 9:1-10

Invitations of Wisdom and Folly

9 Wisdom has built her house;

    she has set up[a] its seven pillars.

2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;

    she has also set her table.

3 She has sent out her servants, and she calls

    from the highest point of the city,

4     “Let all who are simple come to my house!”

To those who have no sense she says,

5     “Come, eat my food

    and drink the wine I have mixed.

6 Leave your simple ways and you will live;

    walk in the way of insight.”

7 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;

    whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.

8 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;

    rebuke the wise and they will love you.

9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;

    teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

    and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 9:1-10 New International Version

Invitations of Wisdom and Folly

9 Wisdom has built her house;

    she has set up[a] its seven pillars.

2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;

    she has also set her table.

3 She has sent out her servants, and she calls

    from the highest point of the city,

4     “Let all who are simple come to my house!”

To those who have no sense she says,

5     “Come, eat my food

    and drink the wine I have mixed.

6 Leave your simple ways and you will live;

    walk in the way of insight.”

7 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;

    whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.

8 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;

    rebuke the wise and they will love you.

9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;

    teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

    and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Luke 6:37-42

Judging Others

37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

39 He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?

40 The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.

41 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Luke 6:37-42

Judging Others

37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

39 He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?

40 The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.

41 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Proverbs 9:1-10 New International Version

Invitations of Wisdom and Folly

9 Wisdom has built her house;

    she has set up[a] its seven pillars.

2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;

    she has also set her table.

3 She has sent out her servants, and she calls

    from the highest point of the city,

4     “Let all who are simple come to my house!”

To those who have no sense she says,

5     “Come, eat my food

    and drink the wine I have mixed.

6 Leave your simple ways and you will live;

    walk in the way of insight.”

7 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;

    whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.

8 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;

    rebuke the wise and they will love you.

9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;

    teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

    and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.