Criticism quotes

While teaching the focal passages for Jerusalem: Facing Criticism, ask members if (and how) they seek to avoid criticism? Read Elbert Hubbard’s quote: To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing. Ask members if his statement is true.

Bob Deffinbaugh’s commentary on Acts 21:17-22:19 notes that Paul’s mention of his vision to take the gospel to the Gentiles triggered an angry lynch-mob action. Paul certainly didn’t seek to avoid criticism.

In the context of the lesson, ask members to discuss the truth of this quote by Winston Churchill: Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfils the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things. Ask members to consider how criticism is necessary in their lives at the moment.