Rarely have I had so much feedback from a Sunday message as this one - Nehemiah 4 Coping with Criticism. The personal comments and emails have been remarkable. I am not sure if it is because people feel sorry for me or because we are all struggling to cope with criticism! You can listen to the download on www.beaconchurch.co.uk.
In any position of leadership - in the work place, in the home, at school, in church life, criticism seems inevitable. How we deal with criticism is a measure of our maturity. How we deliver criticism (sometimes we might need to) is also a measure of our maturity.
I find it a fascinating study how Nehemiah first dealt with criticism from without - non Jews, then how he dealt with criticism from within - the Jews. Those who were supposed to be with him!
As ever with life issues, The Bible has so much to help and teach us. I find myself constantly returning to Jesus' encouragement in Matthew 18:15
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. "
What Jesus says is great. You go. What it doesn't say it also important: don't gossip to others about them; don't put it on Facebook, do try and sort it out. Try and win them.
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