July 8, 2018
Passage:  2 Samuel 16:5-14
Speaker:  Pastor Bill Knepper
Main Point:  Whether the criticism is right or wrong, we need to be both tough and teachable.

I. Accept criticism with tough skin and a teachable heart.
            A. Critics usually choose a bad time.
            B. Critics often use a poor approach.
            C. Critics always provide a chance to learn.

II. Ten rules for receiving criticism help us make the best of it.
            1. Pray beforehand.
            2. Avoid becoming defensive.
            3. Allow your critic to finish.
            4. Ask for evidence.
            5. Use the criticism for learning about yourself.
            6. Confront the primary source.
            7. Try to determine why.
            8. Try to understand the real problem.
            9. Determine the best way to respond.
            10. Talk it over with a trusted friend.

III. Forgive the things said in error.
            A. Forgiving the excess of others is a sign of maturity.
            B. Guarding against excess in you is a sign of maturity.