Handling Criticism [The Right Thing pt. 3]

To learn more or donate, visit https://www.gravetopchurch.com -- The more that we develop our own morality and conviction, the more you will be targeted with the criticism and attacks of others. But how do you find the balance in keeping true to your convictions while still showing grace to those who attack you for them? Today we are going to unpack an aspect of grace and wisdom as we look at a combination of ways in which we can defend ourselves practically and spiritually. And then we're going to look at what really matters most in the end. Since you will never be short of people's criticism and conflict, we should examine the Bible in order to get a healthy perspective on how to handle it. And what better example to follow than how Jesus handled these things! We are going to examine some key instances and derive methods to follow for ourselves. Battle of The Flesh [ALWAYS KNOW WHY YOU BELIEVE WHAT YOU BELIEVE] 1. Common sense in the complicated. (Matt. 12:9-12) 2. Called out the obvious from the obscure. (Matt. 12:33-37) 3. Calmness in conflict. (Matt. 13:57-58) Battle of The Spirit [WISDOM IS BEING BOTH SPIRITUAL AND PRACTICAL IN CONFLICT] (Ephesians 6:10-12; Matt. 16:22-24) 1. Jesus rebuked the spirit. 2. Jesus corrected the person. 3. Jesus gave a choice with clear boundaries. Battle of The Heart [FORGIVENESS IS ALWAYS AN OPTION] (Luke 23:34; Matt. 6:14-15; Luke 6:37-38) 3 Types of forgiveness: 1. Understanding - Knowing that they simply don't realize the gravity of harm they are causing 2. Merciful - Knowing that sometimes hurt people hurt people. 3. Unwarranted - Knowing that they don't deserve it but giving it anyway. Forgiveness doesn't mean that you have to act like nothing happened. It is simply telling God that you don't want them to be punished on judgment day. It's choosing to release that person from justice at your own hands. It doesn't mean that you can't have emotions about it. You don't have to suppress emotional pain in order to "properly" forgive. Forgiveness is about you making a clear choice. And in the same way, so is asking for forgiveness and accepting it through Jesus Christ.