#7 Dealing With Emotions – Criticism & Gossip In A Godly Way.

SF, Stagecoach, NV

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

Topic #7 Criticism & Gossip:

     Criticism is like a cancer spreading and infecting all parts of the body of Christ.  As children of God, many times we find ourselves trapped in a habit of criticizing others, or even gossiping about our friends to others.  How can we overcome it?

     First, think of the person you criticized most recently.  Was the criticism totally valid?  What purpose did it serve?  Who was edified?

Your Tongue:

     Romans 2:1 says we should not judge or condemn another.  In Romans 14:10 what explanation is given as to why we shouldn’t be critical of others?

In Romans 1:29-30, the unrighteous are described as indulging in gossip and slander.  What will be the end result? (Romans 1:32)

What is the source of evil words in Matthew 12:13-37?

What warning is given in verses 36 and 37?

Describe the power and effect of the tongue from these verses:

Psalm 64:3

Proverbs 12:18

Proverbs 13:3

     Read James 3:2-12.  Describe the effect of the tongue?

Can man control his tongue?

Which verse convicts you the most?

     Read James 3:13-18.  What are some results of the world’s wisdom?

What do you see as some root causes of criticism and gossip in these versus?

What are results of being controlled by God’s wisdom?

Are You In Control?

How do these verses tell us to control our tongues?

Psalm 34:13

Psalm 141:3

Proverbs 10:14, 19

Proverbs 13:3

What are some results of controlling our tongues?

Proverbs 15:4, 7

Proverbs 12:18-19

     A critical spirit is often caused by jealousy, envy, pride or bitterness.  Gossip and slander usually begin with a spirit of criticism and judging.

     If God has convicted you of a spirit of criticism, gossip or other sins mentioned, confess them as sin.  Ask for protection of your mind from the twerp’s temptations in this area.  If you have slandered anyone, go and ask that person’s forgiveness and repair any damage done to their character.  Remember, destroying a person’s reputation and character can be worse than physical harm.

Application:

     Ask God to help you accept and love others as they are.  

     Pray Psalm 141:3 or Psalm 34:10 each morning this coming week.

     Thank Jesus that he wants to set you free from the sins of gossip and criticism, He can give you power over your tongue.

Prayer:

Father, help me to speak the truth in love this week.  Forgive my sins of gossip and criticism and renew me by your power.  Holy Spirit, remind me of Philippians 4:8 and speak only words pleasing to You.  “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” AMEN.

I’ll continue Sunday 11/01/15 with “Topic #8 -Dealing With Pride In A Godly Way”.

Blessings – The Lord’s Servant – Sandy F.