Words | Critical Words: Word Power - Part 1

Send us Fan MailCRITICAL WORDSWord Power – Part 1Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith StewartJune 9, 2024#realspringcreekchurch #wordpower #criticalwords #sticksandstones #criticism https://www.springcreekchurch.org/Find Extended Message Notes Here:https://www.springcreekchurch.org/mt-content/uploads/2024/06/240609-expanded-message-notes-wp-1.pdfCritical words are powerful regardless of whether or not they are true. Many of us heard critical messages in childhood we never questioned. As a result, we've based our lives on an erroneous and hurtful message and we demonstrate the power of words. Let's find out what God has to say about this.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. What hurtful words were spoken to you in your formative years? What effect did those words have on you? Now as an adult, what would you say to your younger self after hearing the sting of those words? What would you say now to the person who said that to you? 2. Who do you trust to give you honest critique when you need it? Why do you trust that person? Is there anyone in your life who tends to be critical all the time? What’s it like to be around them?  Three of the big motivations behind criticism are that some people hate themselves, some people envy you, and some people criticize because they love you. Where does your critic fall? 3. When we’ve been criticized relentlessly by those we cared about and trusted, we develop a resistance to all criticism. It triggers us. It causes a stronger-than-normal emotional reaction. Yet not all criticism is bad for us. How do you develop a more open mind and heart toward criticism? 4. It’s easy to allow critics to cross a line and become our judge. But Paul makes clear that no one, not even yourself, is competent enough to be your judge. How have you allowed critical remarks to define you? How do you change your inner thinking to be more consistent with the way the Father sees you? It’s God's desire that you lead a condemnation-free lifestyle. Write this verse out: Romans 8.1.  Read it every day. Remind yourself that this is the truth about you regardless of what others have said!