Criticism In The Crucible

When you are criticized, how do you respond? Criticism can be hard to accept, because no one wants to constantly be told they are wrong. Accepting and learning from criticism is a necessary part of the growth mindset. The Bible tells us that we need to accept this type of correction and be thankful for it, because God may be speaking to us and providing an opportunity for personal growth. God tells us in Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” In this passage of scripture, God is telling us that as human beings, we have the ability to better each other, or “sharpen” each other. Therefore, when we receive criticism, we need to realize that it is an opportunity God has given us to change. Accepting and learning
When loved ones criticize us, it can be hard to feel that it is an act of care. Rebuke “…is a great act of love. The kind of rebuke that the Scriptures commend is the kind intended to stop us from continuing on a destructive path” (Mathis DesiringGod.org). Close friends and family are usually the ones who are most honest with us; this brutal honesty is a proof of their love. It is extremely hard to find the courage to correct someone else for fear of rejection and anger, but the ones who are closest to us do not have to worry about being pushed away. They realize we will always love them, so they have no reservations when it comes to being honest and sharing their thoughts. It is most important to listen to this kind of criticism, for it is sure to be true. Proverbs 27:6 says, “Wounds from a friend can be
Historically, God has used people to deliver messages. For example, God spoke to people through Moses, David, Elijah, and many others. When we receive rebuke, God may be giving us a message through someone’s voice. David Mathis says in an article on DesiringGod.com, “…beware resisting the reproof of a fellow in Jesus, especially when it is echoed in multiple voices, knowing that likely we would be resisting the very reproof of God.” God rebukes those he loves (Proverbs 3:12), so we must accept criticism and learn from