It’s difficult to avoid criticism. If we do something we may get criticized. If we do nothing we will get criticized. But let’s face it! Criticism hurts. We all have fragile egos, and when we receive it, we get knocked down. Of course, not all criticism is deserved. But the question is not whether it is or is not deserved, how should we handle it? This message focuses on this question.
Which is harder? To give criticism or receive it? I find them both difficult. Few really master the art of welcoming criticism and fewer have enough thick skin to handle it. But the child of God must be able to take it and give it in the spirit of Christ. Join me in exploring this important matter.
The Lord expects the Christian to learn how to communicate in ways that accomplish good. It isn’t easy because communication is a two way street. This requires insight into our communication habits and also recognize how someone may receive our words, tone and body language. Let’s explore this together!
God communicated to us clearly about how we, as His children, must communicate with others. Let’s explore this together in this message.
Words can get a person killed. It may have contributed to the two attempted assassinations on Trump. It makes no difference if we are Democrats or Republicans, if we are Christians we must stop the vicious name calling, labeling, vicious rhetoric. We are to avoid all rude, crude and lewd language. We will address this serious issue in this lesson.
Human anger usually shorts out reason and our light and prevents us from shining in the world as God wants. We will explore the anger of Cain in this lesson to help us to see the danger of uncontrolled anger and how to control it.
Anger can be a positive thing that seeks to right wrongs in appropriate and positive ways, or it can be like letting a wild tiger out of its cage. That’s why we must control it rather than be controlled by it. It is best to defuse the bomb than picking up the pieces.
One of the most damaging emotions humans experience is anger. It’s a natural emotion but due to our fallen nature our emotions may overcome our clear thinking. It has been called “The chief saboteur of the mind.” But also the soul. We must learn to control our anger and channel it in positive directions. We will explore this vital topic in a series of lessons.
The Christian is not called to monasticism secluded from others. Or to be recluses like J. D. Salinger, the late author of The Catcher in the Rye. We are meant to be socially connected and a source of encouragement and support for others. We will explore the meaning of mutual encouragement in this message.
Yes, even Christian’s become depressed and many try to hide it out of guilt. Thoreau spoke of many who “live lives of quiet desperation.” Let’s look at this closer and see if we can find biblical answers to this challenge everyone faces from time to time.