Murder by Inches Harsh and unjust criticism is one of the cruelest uses of the tongue.

The Tongue The Bible has much to say about the tongue It is difficult to control – but we must! One of the cruelest uses of the tongue – unjust criticism –Sensitive people can’t just brush it off –It hurts, cuts deep, affects relationships

Jesus Knows Criticism Matthew 11:18-19Matthew 11: For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.”

Coping with Criticism Criticism will come our wayCriticism will come our way If you are trying to do good – someone will criticizeIf you are trying to do good – someone will criticize “Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain – and most fools do.” Benjamin Franklin“Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain – and most fools do.” Benjamin Franklin

Father, son, and their donkey Son riding – Making the old man walkSon riding – Making the old man walk Father riding – Making the small child walkFather riding – Making the small child walk Both riding – Cruel to make 1 donkey carry 2 peopleBoth riding – Cruel to make 1 donkey carry 2 people Both started carrying the donkeyBoth started carrying the donkey They never made it to the marketThey never made it to the market

Examples of Criticism Israel criticized MosesIsrael criticized Moses 3 Friends criticized Job3 Friends criticized Job Eliab criticized DavidEliab criticized David

Evaluate Criticism Not all criticism is destructiveNot all criticism is destructive Take an honest lookTake an honest look Is it justified?Is it justified? How can I do it differently?How can I do it differently? Consider the sourceConsider the source –Godly person – done with love –Some are always critical

Responsibility to the Critic Listen to their criticismListen to their criticism They see themselves as helping, caring, wanting to make things betterThey see themselves as helping, caring, wanting to make things better “Constant critics are often warped, unhappy people trying to cover up their own inadequacies by pointing out the failings of other people.” Norman Vincent Peale“Constant critics are often warped, unhappy people trying to cover up their own inadequacies by pointing out the failings of other people.” Norman Vincent Peale

Responsibility to the Critic Don’t give them a piece of your mind – wasted effortDon’t give them a piece of your mind – wasted effort Bitterness, revenge, hate – not the answerBitterness, revenge, hate – not the answer Matthew 5:43-48 – Love your enemiesMatthew 5:43-48 – Love your enemies

What will it do to you? Criticism will murder youCriticism will murder you –Inch by inch –It kills the spirit, joy, pleasure of your work Criticism can make us better, stronger, more effectiveCriticism can make us better, stronger, more effective

What will it do to you? Criticism can:Criticism can: Drive people awayDrive people away Divide the churchDivide the church Rob us of our enthusiasm and joyRob us of our enthusiasm and joy Make us weak, ineffectiveMake us weak, ineffective Hinder our work for the LordHinder our work for the Lord

Conclusion: Look from both viewpointsLook from both viewpoints –As a critic – Am I doing harm or good? –As one being criticized – Is the criticism justified? The tongue can be a harmful and dangerous weapon if not handled with care.The tongue can be a harmful and dangerous weapon if not handled with care.