Rccg Teachers Sunday School Manual For December 28, 2025 , Lesson 17: Title - Handling Criticism

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL

Sunday: December 28, 2025

Lesson: Seventeen (17)

TOPIC: HANDLING CRITICISM

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN

O Sunday School, on the Lord’s Day,

O how I love thee well;

I am happy, it makes me glad

To rejoice at thy birth.

O Sunday School, on the Lord’s Day,

Thy fellowship suits me well;

Both young and old will sing thy song,

We long for Sunday School.

O Sunday School, on the Lord’s Day,

Christ was thy first great Teacher;

The Holy Spirit, the perfect Teacher,

Is present here with thee.

O Sunday School, on the Lord’s Day,

This testimony is sure:

That God the Father Almighty

Has poured His blessings on thee.

O Sunday School, on the Lord’s Day,

Though the sun shines bright,

Or though the clouds grow dark with rain,

I’ll be in Sunday School.

O Sunday School, on the Lord’s Day,

I rejoice to see thee;

Will thou pass me by today

Without a blessing for me?

OPENING PRAYER

Almighty God, grant me a humble heart and help me to accept constructive criticism.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 14:3–10

Herod arrested John the Baptist and imprisoned him because John openly criticised his unlawful relationship with Herodias, his brother’s wife. Although Herod feared John and recognised him as a prophet, he later ordered his execution to satisfy Herodias and preserve his public image.

MEMORY VERSE

“But when Peter came to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed.”

— Galatians 2:11

INTRODUCTION

Criticism is feedback that may be uncomfortable but is often necessary for growth. It helps us become aware of how our actions affect others. Criticism can either be used positively to improve ourselves or negatively, leading to anger, resentment, and damaged self-esteem (1 Kings 21:15–20). Learning how to handle criticism wisely is essential for personal, spiritual, and professional development.

LESSON AIM

To help learners understand that criticism is a normal part of life and can be used for growth.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, learners should be able to:

Explain the meaning of criticism.

Identify different types of criticism.

Describe practical ways of responding to criticism.

TEACHING PLAN

To achieve these objectives, the teacher should:

Encourage learners to recite the memory verse, read the Bible passage, participate in discussions, and take part in class activities and assignments.

Allow the Assistant Teacher to manage class welfare, attendance, and assignments.

Teach the lesson outlines, summarise key points, evaluate understanding, conclude the lesson, and assign homework.

TEXT REVIEW: Matthew 14:3–10

John the Baptist openly criticised King Herod for his immoral behaviour. Herod could not accept the correction, and although he feared public opinion, he eventually ordered John’s execution to please Herodias and her daughter.

From this passage, mention at least three lessons learnt: i. ________________________

ii. ________________________

iii. ________________________

iv. ________________________

v. ________________________

LESSON OUTLINE

Outline 1: Types of Criticism

Learners should discuss the types of criticism they know or have experienced. The teacher should guide the discussion as follows:

There are many forms of criticism, but emphasis is placed on constructive and destructive criticism. Understanding the difference helps us respond appropriately.

A. Constructive Criticism

Aims to correct mistakes and encourage growth (Galatians 2:11–14).

Identifies areas where improvement is needed (Matthew 23:23).

Should be accepted as helpful feedback rather than a personal attack (2 Samuel 12:7–13).

B. Destructive Criticism

Is harsh, malicious, and hurtful (Proverbs 12:18a).

Often provokes anger or aggression (Proverbs 15:1).

Targets a person’s character rather than behaviour.

Rarely offers solutions or guidance.

Class Activity 1:

Have you ever criticised someone destructively? Share briefly.

Outline 2: Dealing with Criticism

A. Some individuals are naturally critical and may not realise they are hurting others. When dealing with such people, avoid taking every comment personally.

B. To respond effectively to criticism:

Stay calm and listen attentively (Proverbs 18:12; James 1:19).

Ask for clarification when the criticism is unclear.

Evaluate whether the criticism is fair or unfair (Luke 12:57).

Look for any truth in what is said, even if it is difficult (2 Corinthians 13:8).

Accept responsibility where correction is valid (2 Samuel 12:13).

If the criticism is fair, seek advice on how to improve (Proverbs 11:14).

C. Important guidelines to remember:

Address the issue, not the person, and maintain a growth mindset (Genesis 13:7–9).

Do not respond in anger, as this can escalate conflict (Ecclesiastes 7:9).

Remain calm, respectful, and humble (Ephesians 4:2).

If emotions rise, step away to avoid saying something harmful (2 Timothy 2:24).

Class Activity 2:

Do you think you can apply these guidelines? If not, are you willing to try?

CONCLUSION

Develop emotional resilience and learn to see criticism as an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth.

EVALUATION

Differentiate between constructive and destructive criticism.

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, grant me the grace to respond wisely and emotionally mature when I am criticised.

ASSIGNMENT

Mention five (5) practical ways to handle criticism.

(2 marks each = 10 marks)