Open Heaven For Teens 25 October 2021 – Dangers Of Criticising

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TOPIC: Dangers Of Criticising [Open Heaven for Teens 25 October 2021]

MEMORISE: But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: Ephesians 4:15

BIBLE TEXT: Revelation 2:1-4

1. Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
2. I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
3. And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
4. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Jeremiah 14-16, 1 Timothy 5:1-25

MESSAGE:

The goal of criticism is to bring about correction, a change in the positive direction. More often than not however, this goal is not realized because of poor presentation. People who dish out destructive criticisms have a critical spirit; this makes them focus on the wrongdoings of others while blinded to theirs. Sadly, they don’t see the virtues in the fellow being criticized. If you’re in a position to correct anyone, please do it wisely and constructively.

There is a better way to correct people. For instance, in our Bible passage for today, when God was about to correct the church at Ephesus, He applauded them before stating their weaknesses. This is what I also do; whenever I want to correct someone, I would first commend him/her in the areas in which he/she has done well, enumerate his/her strengths before bringing out his/her faults. Thereafter, I’ll encourage the person and tell him/her how he/she can make amends. Any fellow you criticize this way will know that you genuinely have their interest at heart.

KEY POINT:

Constructive criticism will always yield positive changes in people.

HYMN: Let Us With A Gladsome Mind

1. Let us with a gladsome mind
   Praise the Lord for He is kind;
   For His mercies shall endure
   Ever faithful, ever sure.
2. Let us sound His name abroad,
   For of gods He is the God;
   For His mercies shall endure
   Ever faithful, ever sure.
3. He, with all-commanding might,
   Filled the new-made world with light;
   For His mercies shall endure
   Ever faithful, ever sure.
4. All things living He doth feed,
   His full hand supplies
   their need;
   For His mercies shall endure
   Ever faithful, ever sure.
5. He His chosen race did bless
   In the wasteful wilderness;
   For His mercies shall endure
   Ever faithful, ever sure.
6. He hath with a piteous eye
   Looked upon our misery;
   For His mercies shall endure
   Ever faithful, ever sure.
7. Let us with a gladsome mind
   Praise the Lord for He is kind.
   For His mercies shall endure
   Ever faithful, ever sure.

Daily Devotional for Teen’s guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.