RECLAIMING ENCOURAGEMENT IN A CULTURE OF CRITICISM
October 25, 2020
Betsy Burke
ENCOURAGEMENT: the action of giving someone support, confidence, or
CRITICISM: the act of expressing disapproval and of noting the problems or faults of a person or thing; a remark or
Just because you
And at its core, when we spread it and/or add our opinion to it, it’s modern day
There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him:
1) Haughty eyes [another sermon, another day]
2) A lying tongue
3) Hands that shed innocent blood
4) A heart that devises wicked schemes
5) Feet that are quick to rush into evil
6) A false witness who
lies 7) And a person who
in the community. —Proverbs 6: 16 - 19 (NIV)
Before you Post ask yourself:
a) Is this
b) Will this
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. —Ephesians 4:29 NIV
A scoundrel plots evil, and on their lips, it is like a scorching fire. A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. —Proverbs 16: 27-28 NIV
When in
Before posting or commenting on social media, ask yourself:
a) Will this hinder my influence for Christ or become a distraction when I’m leading worship/serving/sharing the gospel in any way?
b) Am I diving into a potential dispute/debate/rant? (stirring up conflict)
c) Do my photos reflect a God-honoring heart? Do the photos that others post of me send the same message?
d) Is this rude or insulting? At no time are racist or sexist statements/comments appropriate.
e) Am I criticizing a local business whose owner, managers, or employees attend Gateway or could possibly attend Gateway in the future?
f) Is it possible that I’m wrong or that my information is incomplete?
g) What is my emotional state when I’m posting? Am I angry, fearful, desperate, or heartbroken? Do I feel betrayed?
We are representing Gateway Community Church, but more importantly we are representing Jesus. When in doubt, leave it out!
Before posting, we need to ask ourselves: Am I making
It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor; a sensible person keeps quiet. A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. —Proverbs 11:12-13 NLT
It’s always good to pray, not all prayer requests belong online.
While everything you say should be true, not everything that’s true should be said.
If someone gossips to you, they are likely to gossip about you.
Stay clear of repeating gossip, and of hearing it or seeing it. —Craig Groeschel
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat of its fruits. —Proverbs 18:21
1)
We are
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good work, which God prepared in advance for us to do. —Ephesians 2:10 NIV
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. —1 Peter 2:9 NIV
Our mission statement is:
To lead
In fact,
who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted. —2 Timothy 3:12
I have told you these things, so that in me, you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble but take heart! I have overcome the world! —John 16:33 NIV
2)
…when we are cursed we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. —1 Corinthians 4:12
God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. —Romans 5:8 NIV
3) Be encouraging.
Next Sunday:
Gateway Kids opening at 9:30 AM Service!
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