None of us like criticism but all of us should take time to hear what is being said and deal with it.
Better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool. (Ecclesiastes 7:5 NLT)
Too often we hear helpful input as an attack on our character and our identity. God wants to help us grow in appreciation of the wonderful person He created us to be, with a unique set of strengths and weaknesses. He also wants us to learn and grow and develop skills and not just settle for what we can do today. Constructive criticism points out the good as well as what needs to be changed.
If we trust someone and they bring criticism in a kind way, we may be able to accept it, but the struggle comes when someone criticizes us harshly. It’s hard then not to reject everything they said and react in anger. God’s way for us is to grow in grace and learn even from mixed input. Honest feedback is necessary for this to take place. We will learn to keep the fish and throw away the bones.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to grow in grace and knowledge and become all you created me to be. Help me to welcome the input of wise and caring people in my life and learn from constructive criticism. Continue to heal me from the wounds that make it difficult for me to separate my self-worth from my need to grow and change. Amen
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