What Did They Say About…? – PART 2

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 18^th 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.

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