Critical People 30 Sep 18

(Message 2) What should we do when people criticize us? When can we just ignore it and when should we defend ourselves? How do we know it’s time for us to listen, learn, and make a change? Join us as we talk about critical people and gain some practical wisdom on how to respond. #relationshipleeches

Handling Criticism:

Ignore it.
Sometimes we correct it.
Sometimes we learn from it and change.

Before You Respond:

Never respond in anger
Remember criticism is rarely about you

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Key Scriptures from the Message

1 Peter 2:20-23; 2 Corinthians 10:1-2; 2 Corinthians 11:8-9 & 22-28; Proverbs 15:31-32

Start Reading.

When they hurled their insults at him [Jesus], he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
1 Peter 2:23 NIV

A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11 NIV

If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself … Proverbs 15:31-32 NLT

Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. Proverbs 12:18 NLT

So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? … we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. … Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. … Romans 14:10,12-13 NLT

Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.

What is the most ridiculous criticism you’ve received?
What is the one thing you find yourself being critical about over and over again?

Start thinking. Ask a question to get your group thinking.

Think about some of the most critical people you know. What do you think causes them to have a critical spirit?
How do you typically respond to all their criticism?

Start studying. Think back to the message.

Troy discussed ways we can handle criticism. One way is to ignore it. Read 1 Peter 2:23. What is your take-away from this Scripture?
Another way is to learn from it and change. Read Proverbs 15:31-32. Troy shared this quotation from his friend Keith, “If one person tells you have a tail, ignore it, if two people tell you might want to glance back there, if three people, dude you have a tail!” Discuss the meaning of this quotation. Think for a moment and then share something that you have been told by more the one person or repeatedly by someone who loves you. Is it a “tail” you need to get rid of?

Start sharing. Discuss the questions to create openness.

Which do you struggle with more being overly critical or being overly sensitive to criticism? How do you think this came about?
How has criticism stood in the way of God’s love and healing in your life? What is God’s truth about you that can replace these critical words? Share favorite Scriptures.
Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. Discuss how strongholds, anything that sets us up against the knowledge of God, can steal our focus away from

Start doing. Commit to a next step and live it out this week.

Read Proverbs 12:18. What are the most common reasons you look down on others or cut them down? What will you do to start bringing healing instead?
Read and discuss Luke 6:45. Make a plan to apologize to anyone you’ve been overly critical of. Consider asking them to help you know when you’re being too critical.
Consider any criticism you’ve accepted and replace it with how God feels about you.

Start praying. Be bold and pray together.

Have someone in your group pray through the requests in your prayer journal.
Ask God to guide each group member to apply all that you have studied together to their own lives and to guide them to their next step. Ask God to set them free from cutting words and replace them with words of life and encouragement.

Start digging.

For further study go to: How can I overcome having a critical spirit?