RELATIONSHIP KILLER Part 3: Criticism

CRITICISM

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Neglect leads to regret.
Nurturing leads to Fulfillment

The source of our destructive anger is something going on inside of us.

Have you ever been in a situation, where it felt like you could never measure up?

Psalms 64:3 NIV
3 They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.

Critical words wound.

Our own Insecurities.
Exert Control.
Lack of Empathy.
Due to Stress.
Perfectionism.

Ephesians 4:29 NIV
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Encouraging words build and heal.

Rules without relationship leads to rebellion. Josh McDowell

Is this helpful?
Will it build up?
Is it others centered?
Will it benefit?

2 Corinthians 3:3 NIV
3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

James 1:26 NIV
26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.

Proverbs 27:17 NIV
17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 15:31-32 NIV
31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. 32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.

Stop and replace every critical thought with a positive affirmation for a week

Is this helpful?
Will it build up?
Is it others centered?
Will it benefit?

Understanding is the antidote to criticism

Encouraging words build and heal.