Sermon Central
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A Bruise Is Better Than A Bite!" 1 Samuel 1:1-8 ... PRO
Contributed by Mark Brunner on Jan 13, 2005 (message contributor)
“A Bruise Is Better than A Bite!” 1 Samuel 1:1-8 Key verse(s): 8:“Elkanah here husband would say to her, ‘Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?’”
“Constructive criticism is when I criticize you. Destructive criticism is when you criticize me.” If we could make this clear and plain to everyone we met, all our lives would be so much easier. If people just realized that criticism is applicable to everyone but the person delivering it, it would be a lot easier getting along with folks. Unfortunately, no one seems to grasp this basic concept of human co-existence.
As silly as it sounds, rare is the individual that does not at least think this from time to time. For many of us criticism is one of the hardest things in this life to bear. I know! Comparing the pain of a compound fracture to that of the well-aimed criticism, I would prefer the ache of the break to the sting of the sling. If confessions are appropriate, I must own up. Like most people I try to avoid criticism and I certainly am not the kind of person who goes around seeking it. Reacting to just criticism isn’t fun; but reacting to unjust criticism is even less of a picnic. Since it is so difficult sometimes to differentiate between the two, perhaps avoiding any criticism at all costs is the better path to take.
Unfortunately, life presents us with both types of criticism on a pretty frequent basis. Dealing with the just requires patience and forbearance. Dealing with the unjust requires a deep kind of loving patience and forbearance. Criticism well directed and delivered with care may still cause bruised feelings. But criticism that is unloaded upon us, inflicted and perpetrated on us breaks the skin of our lives and opens gaping...
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An Angel Appeared At A Faculty Meeting And Told ... PRO
Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Mar 10, 2003
An angel appeared at a faculty meeting and told the dean that in return for his unselfish service, he will be rewarded with his choice of wealth, wisdom, or beauty. Without hesitating, the dean selects wisdom. "It is done!" the angel said, and then disappeared into a cloud of smoke. All of the ...read more
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The Church Service Ended At The Lutheran Church ... PRO
Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Jun 1, 2003
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When He Was An Attorney, Abraham Lincoln Was Once ... PRO
Contributed by Matthew Doebler on Mar 11, 2003
When he was an attorney, Abraham Lincoln was once approached by a man who insisted on bringing a suit for $2.50 against poor debtor who couldn’t pay. Lincoln tried talk him out of it, but this man wanted his revenge. Finally, Lincoln took the case and charged the man legal fee of $10. Lincoln then ...read more
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