Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.
Criticism is one of the most misunderstood instances in our lives and most of us are too quick to shy away from it. We are becoming so sensitive to our feelings that we respond immediately with a kneejerk reaction to constructive criticism. Those difficult conversations where our actions and motives are scrutinized or called into question – many of us won’t have that. Yet, we are all for giving the criticism, just not receiving it.
Some not agree with this but giving and receiving criticism is a must for us in our lives. If we want to learn how to have healthy relationships, then we need to have a proper balance in our lives. If God expects us to grow in His grace, knowledge, and godliness but we refuse to receive criticism in our lives – how can we grow? How can we expect others to grow in their faith if we can’t help them grow through helping them? God uses not only His divine word, but He also uses us to speak the truth to each other, even if it hurts. Missing out on these realities shows a lack of love for God and for our fellow man.
You won’t find the word “critique” or “criticism” but the concept of them is clearly within the pages of God’s word. Allow me to illustrate that reality for you. Rebuke, reproof, correction, admonishment, and instruction all encapsulate that idea. With this in mind, we need to think about some things regarding giving criticism.
We want people to grow. We want people to grow in their relationships with one another and especially in their relationship with God. Our aim in helping them needs to be focused on building them up and not tearing them down. We need to be able to show people how our instruction will help them in their lives and in glorifying God.
We need to grow. If there is not a desire within us to grow in our faith, then we will not be receptive of criticism. Far too many of us, myself included, are too busy in protecting our own image. Our natural response is to always defend ourselves and make excuses. This is pride in our lives. We must put that pride to death to truly be faithful to God.
by Lee Elkins
