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OUR DAILY BREAD
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READ:  Proverbs 15:1-10

                      HOW TO DEAL WITH CRITICISM

               "He who receives correction is prudent."
                                        - Proverbs 15:5

Robert A. Cook, former president of King's College in New York, told a
true story from the early years of his ministry.  He had been receiving
some rather pointed criticism, and he sought the counsel of a friend,
pastor Harry A. Ironside. 

Pouring out his heart, Dr. Cook asked what he should do about the
accusations being made against him.  Ironside responded, "Bob, if the
criticism about you is true, mend your ways!  If it isn't, forget about
it!" 

The stinging barbs hurled at us by our adversaries may be uncalled for. 
When a verbal attack comes, therefore, it's well to analyze it.  If it
isn't justified, let it roll like water off a duck's back.  If the
accusation is true, however, take the necessary steps to correct the
situation. I like what the apostle Peter said, "If you are reproached for
the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God
rests upon you....But let none of you suffer as...an evildoer, or as a
busybody in other people's matters" (1 Pet. 4:14-15). 

Are you being criticized?  Are charges being made against you?  If the
accusations are true -- mend your ways!  If they're false -- forget about
them!  That's how to handle criticism.
                                              -- Richard W. De Haan

               Some will hate you, some will love you;
                 Some will flatter, some will slight;
                  Cease from man and look above you,
                    Trust in God and do the right.

                                             -- Macleod
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                          THOUGHT FOR THE DAY            
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               Never fear criticism when you're right;
                 never ignore it when you're wrong.
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                FOR WORSHIP & WISDOM:  Proverbs 15-18 

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