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The 911 Handbook Discussion Guide Questions
Lesson 11 / Chapter 11
When You Are Criticized: Coping With Criticism
Read Matt. 7:3.
Six Reasons Why People Criticize:
Reason #1: Some people criticize because they have critical spirits.
Using the story about the dirty windshield, discuss how the dirt on a person's heart can affect how they see other people.
Reason #2: Some people criticize because they don't know the whole story.
Because a critical person inspects for specks he usually doesn’t observe the big picture. How can having partial information cause a person to make an incorrect judgment? Give some examples.
Reason #3: Some people criticize because it makes them feel better about themselves.
Why did the women's song make Saul angry?
How did Saul's self-image influence his treatment of David?
How does this explain why some people criticize today?
Reason #4: Some people criticize because it's easier to complain about problems than to solve them.
In what ways can people become critical when problems arise in their marriages or jobs?
Reason #5: Some people criticize because the person is godly.
Read 2 Tim. 3:12 and John 15:18-19. Why is it normal for a Christian who is living godly to be criticized?
Reason #6: Some criticize because a real fault needs correcting.
Read Proverbs 17:10. How is the one who has understanding different than the fool?
How does this apply when a critic discovers a real fault in you?
How to Respond to Criticism
First, View you critics as being sent by God.
Explain why David and Abishai had different perspectives concerning Shimei's cursing.
We can view our critics in one of two ways. What did Jesus say we must do when we are hated for His name? (Luke 6:22-23).
Why?
What does this teach us about how to view our critics from heaven's perspective?
Second, Find the grain of truth in the criticism.
What was the grain of truth in Shimei's criticism?
How did Gen. Dwight Eisenhower use his critics to his advantage?
How can we apply this principle to our lives?
Third, Don't counter-criticize your critics.
Why didn't Jesus defend Himself against His accusers?
What happens to us if we counter-criticize our critics?
Fourth, Don't allow the critics to discourage you.
If you are laboring for the Lord, why do you think Satan raises up critics?
Why should we remember the Judgment Day when we are being criticized?