‘If you accept correction, you will be honoured.’ Proverbs 13:18 NLT
Solomon said, ‘If you accept correction, you will be honoured.’ American author, Charlie Shedd gives us ten ways to grow through criticism:
1) Criticism is often a compliment. The barbs in daily life strike only those who raise their heads above ground level. Jesus said, ‘Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you, insult you, and slander your name as evil because of the Son of Man’ (Luke 6:22 CSB).
2) Accept that you have faults that are open to censure. Stay humble, and criticism won’t rattle you.
3) Invite criticism from friends; then when it comes from your enemies, you will be broken in. ‘The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them’ (Proverbs 12:6 NIV).
4) Let criticism make you better. When you burn with anger, you destroy the passport to your own improvement. ‘But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God’ (1 Peter 2:20 NKJV).
5) Some criticism should be ignored, especially if it stems from false motives. Never give unhappy people the key to your happiness.
6) Keep it in perspective. Don’t believe everybody has heard. Most people don’t care. One bad word doesn’t cancel out the good in you.
7) Let criticism make you kinder. Remind yourself that you have criticised others too. Is this a boomerang that started in your own heart?
8) Pray for your critics. It will improve them and neutralise your bitterness. Hate destroys your health and steals your happiness.
9) Check with the Master Critic. What does God say? How do things look deep in your soul?
10) When you have checked to make sure you’re right, move ahead. In quiet confidence finish what you started, because God’s promises are to those who endure (see Hebrews 6:12).
SoulFood: Exo 20:4-6 Deut 7:17 – 8:2 Isa 40:18-31 Col 3:5-10
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright 2024
