| Isaiah 15:1-18:7, Galatians 1:1-24, Psalm 58:1-11, Proverbs 23:12
“Don’t refuse to accept criticism; get all the help you can.” Proverbs 23:12
Sounds weird. Who likes to be criticized? Truth is, we need to hear from others because we have a big blind spot in the middle of our back. Also, we have a tendency to be kinder to ourselves. Accept today that none of us are perfect and while some people are downright nasty, some people are genuinely trying to help us change a detrimental area.
This is how I personally judge criticism – Is it true? Do I do this? If it is true, then I take it to God and ask Him to help me change. If, when I examine myself and I don’t see what the other person perceives, then I chalk it up to being the other person’s problem. Even then, I try to see what’s eating them. Is the person exaggerating, are they insecure and cutting, are they jealous? Pray because there may be something going on with them.
PRAYER: Lord, always help me to accept constructive criticism so that I can evolve as a person and be my best self. Help me to reach out in love to those who dish up destructive criticism, realizing they may have some deep-rooted issues that need to be dealt with. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. |
