In this week’s lesson from Nehemiah 4, Pastor Daniel tackles the subject of criticism and how all of us as leaders will face it. The Bible does not shy away from hard topics like this. Nehemiah dealt with it himself. Criticism is just part of leading people and getting things done. God has called us as leaders to have an impact in this world. Some people won’t like that. As. leaders we need to expect criticism and be prepared to handle it, not avoid it. Pastor Daniel examines Nehemiah’s response to criticism and the tactics used by his enemies. We can learn from his example.

In Pastor’s Perspective, Pastor Joe Williams shares his own experience with criticism in ministry. No one likes being criticized. Listen to the criticism and see if there is any weight to it. See if there is any truth to it. Learn from it and correct what may need corrected.

“Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain and most fools do.” - Benjamin Franklin

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Criticism is: 

1) the expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes 2) the act of expressing disapproval or noting the problems or faults of a person or thing

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“Do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing, and you'll never be criticized.” - Elbert Hubbard

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Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. - 1 Peter 4:12

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“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you  will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33 

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“God had one Son without sin, but he never had a son without trial.” - Charles Spurgeon

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“He has a right to criticize, who has a heart to help.” - Abraham Lincoln

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Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Proverbs 18:21

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Shakespeare called ridicule “paper bullets to the brain.”

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“The things people say may hurt us, but they can never harm us, unless we let them get into our system and poison us.” -Warren Wiersbe