Posted on August 16, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters
“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us–a sphere which especially includes you.” – 2 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NKJV)
Last time I was with you I was addressing some stuff that occurs with criticism. Ya can’t really go through life without being criticized in one fashion or another. Now, there is such a thing as constructive criticism, so long as you receive it as such, and it can be useful to one another. Christians often use Proverbs 27:17a “As iron sharpens iron” to express that we should be taking each other to task over the principles of the Kingdom but we often leave out 27:17b, “So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” You can tell you hit a sour note with folks when you turn that smile into a frown just with a misplaced or a misunderstood comment and in this day and age it doesn’t take much to get there.
While having pulpit duty at The Colony of Mercy’s Chapel during evening services, I could look out into the congregation and see by the faces looking back at me that I wasn’t being received with what I thought was a home run sermon. While folks may have said, “That was a good message” before we left the chapel, I thought differently. One of the worst kinda criticisms we can receive are the ones said that are insincere with their sincerity. You don’t wanna hurt my feelings by saying you didn’t get it but you’ve made me be insincere with my sincerity back towards you with my “thank you.” In an off-beat way, we’ve both told each other we agree that each other isn’t up to snuff and we stink of self-righteousness.
Jesus spoke to such an attitude in the 18th chapter of Luke. The Tax-Collector and the Pharisee is an interesting parable, not just because it points out just how above others the religious leaders thought they were but it addresses that even if it were true on earth, this would be the only place they would get their reward. It’s the Tax-Collector that understood his sinful nature and how he felt heavy hearted towards a mighty God. Jeus is quite clear as He concluded, “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbles, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14)
“Also Shimei said thus when he cursed: “Come out! Come out! You bloodthirsty man, you rogue! The LORD has brought upon you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned; and the LORD has delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom your son. So now you are caught in your own evil, because you are a bloodthirsty man!” – 2 Samuel 16:7-8
Absalom’s rebellion had put his father, King David, under a lot of stress but it didn’t shake his commitment to God. When you 2 Samuel 16:5-13 you’ll see that be tested by Shimei, a member of King Sauls family. Even though Abishai is ready to take the head of Shimei, it’ll be King David that understands this man came to curse at him for what has happened to David and for things because of David. King David understood that this is something the LORD is allowing to happen. “See how my son who came from my own body seeks my life. How much more now may this Benjamite? Let him alone, and let him curse; for so the LORD has ordered him. It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing this day.” (2 Samuel 16:11-12)
Which brings me to the last part of all this today…forgiveness. Doesn’t it seem that those who aren’t willing to forgive folks is the main person criticizing them? David was willing to accept this Benjamite’s cursing whether he was right to do so or not, David took it without retaliating. His heart was so set upon the things of God that David was ready to accept the blessing that could come from his acceptance of Shimei’s angry criticism of him. God will often require us to have patience and forbearance during our trials and David, having that kinda compassion, gives us that example.
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15) Jesus once again showing us all that forgiveness is the reaction we should have when we’ve wronged or unjustly criticized. The principle is easy to hear harder to apply just remember, if you don’t forgive, God isn’t obliged to forgive you. And remember the words of Davids other son Solomon, “…don’t take everything to heart that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. Foe many times, also, your own heart has known that even you have cursed others.”
Amen?
Written by Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and is the Executive Director & CEO of Changed Choices, a Christian non-profit in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
Think About This: “He said “Love…as I have loved you.” We cannot love too much.” ― Amy Carmichael
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, 19 for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” Hebrews 7:18-19
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Based on 383 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Wanda Read
17:45 26 Sep 23
praise God for this place and all staff
Dinah Lopez
17:06 19 Sep 23
Beautiful property. Woodsy, nice lakes and a lot of land to explore. A great place for Christians to gather. They also have indoor auditoriums.
Andrea Rowe
01:30 18 Sep 23
Great banquet food.Great piano performance.
Melissa Williams
10:55 15 Sep 23
The warmest, most loving people working together on a mission of love for the Lord. This place is a treasure and I look forward to going every chance I get.
marilyn clinton
09:26 10 Sep 23
Food is not great.
Linda Hamadyk
04:54 10 Sep 23
The entertainment was excellent. The servers were great enjoyed my evening.
Raquel Perez
13:04 03 Sep 23
Amazing, relaxing, friendly and the most important part, the presence of God!!!
Doug Anderson
11:39 29 Aug 23
Had an amazing experience here for two nights!Stayed in the newly renovated rooms - very nice and clean.Amazing and helpful staff, maintenance, chaplains, etc.Everyone is very warm and friendly.Student summer staff were joyful and... respectful.They really take care of pastors and all of their guests.Such an atmosphere of hope, healing and restoration! Highly recommend for personal and group retreats.read more
Albert Spangler
14:15 25 Aug 23
This is an amazing place where you can feel God's presence and find peace.
Carol Swill
05:06 24 Aug 23
America's keseick is a wonderful place of peace and restoration. The combination of the physical and emotional feeding, together with the bible conference really works.I loved the Bible studies, and i loved the 'vacation stuff'- the pool, the... beach, the games,the music, walking around the lake- it all worked togetherread more
Karen Downs
18:43 31 Jul 23
Awesome place. Great place for children and awesome place to relax and enjoy
Richard Donato
18:14 14 Jul 23
Great place
Rubbins St Louis
18:57 12 Jul 23
Great place to visit and have fellowship with other believers. I love taking in God's word.
Loida Rojas LLM
06:03 04 Jul 23
They need to remodel all the dorms
Vince Dizol
04:56 26 Jun 23
Beautiful retreat center. You can feel the presence of God in the beauty of His natural creation in this place! Great pool and jacuzzi area as well as basketball / volleyball court!
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 383 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Wanda Read
17:45 26 Sep 23
praise God for this place and all staff
Dinah Lopez
17:06 19 Sep 23
Beautiful property. Woodsy, nice lakes and a lot of land to explore. A great place for Christians to gather. They also have indoor auditoriums.
Andrea Rowe
01:30 18 Sep 23
Great banquet food.Great piano performance.
Melissa Williams
10:55 15 Sep 23
The warmest, most loving people working together on a mission of love for the Lord. This place is a treasure and I look forward to going every chance I get.
marilyn clinton
09:26 10 Sep 23
Food is not great.
Linda Hamadyk
04:54 10 Sep 23
The entertainment was excellent. The servers were great enjoyed my evening.
Raquel Perez
13:04 03 Sep 23
Amazing, relaxing, friendly and the most important part, the presence of God!!!
Doug Anderson
11:39 29 Aug 23
Had an amazing experience here for two nights!Stayed in the newly renovated rooms - very nice and clean.Amazing and helpful staff, maintenance, chaplains, etc.Everyone is very warm and friendly.Student summer staff were joyful and... respectful.They really take care of pastors and all of their guests.Such an atmosphere of hope, healing and restoration! Highly recommend for personal and group retreats.read more
Albert Spangler
14:15 25 Aug 23
This is an amazing place where you can feel God's presence and find peace.
Carol Swill
05:06 24 Aug 23
America's keseick is a wonderful place of peace and restoration. The combination of the physical and emotional feeding, together with the bible conference really works.I loved the Bible studies, and i loved the 'vacation stuff'- the pool, the... beach, the games,the music, walking around the lake- it all worked togetherread more
Karen Downs
18:43 31 Jul 23
Awesome place. Great place for children and awesome place to relax and enjoy
Richard Donato
18:14 14 Jul 23
Great place
Rubbins St Louis
18:57 12 Jul 23
Great place to visit and have fellowship with other believers. I love taking in God's word.
Loida Rojas LLM
06:03 04 Jul 23
They need to remodel all the dorms
Vince Dizol
04:56 26 Jun 23
Beautiful retreat center. You can feel the presence of God in the beauty of His natural creation in this place! Great pool and jacuzzi area as well as basketball / volleyball court!