Most Understanding Lord, sometimes the truth hurts. It’s hard to be told I’ve done something wrong or my decision was not well thought out. I often become upset when my opinions or decisions are opposed or challenged. I really do not like to be told that my attitude needs adjusting. It makes me feel uneasy and defensive when someone draws attention to my sins or failures. I am beginning to see that constructive criticism … whether offered by You or anther person … is meant to correct my thinking and get me back on the right track. Constructive criticism opens my heart to understand that something I am doing is detrimental or I’m being alerted so I can change my direction. The pain of correction is better than the destruction of a poor decision or sin. Correction from a friendly source gives me the chance to change and grow. An enemy is glad to leave me in the mess I’ve created for myself.
Flattery and excuses only encourage my bad behavior. Attempts at kindness, shown through silence, allow me to follow an inappropriate path and reap the consequences of my bad behavior or bad choices. Those who speak the truth in love are the ones who are true friends. Turning to You as a friend, who knows how to deal with every situation, brings peace into my life. Your Word is my most reliable source of truth. It is living, life-changing and dynamic as it does its work. Your Word discloses who I am and who I am not. It penetrates the very core of my moral and spiritual beliefs and guide my actions. Your words encourage me to make my decisions based on the realities of the truth being revealed. Nothing can be hidden from You and Your words are always truthful and spoken in love. You see all I do and know my every thought. Your justice requires that I make good choices and do the right things.
Instead of tossing back a quick put down when I am corrected, I must learn to listen to the message being offered. Learning from those who critique me shows me the way to act with wisdom. True wisdom begins with knowing that You give me the insights into leading a righteous life. To know You is not just to know about You, but to stand in awe of You and have a relationship with You. Your Word tells me that “He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; and he who cherishes understanding prospers.” This is why I need to not become offended and close my heart to one who is offering constructive criticism. Your Word further explains that “It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the praises of a fool.” True friends “tell me like it is” while less reliable people try to “stay on my good side.” Therefore, I must count it as a good thing when I stand corrected. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Psalm 119:21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from Your commands.