Whether it’s fair or unfair, criticism has a way of getting under our skin. It can make us defensive, angry, discouraged, or determined to prove the other person wrong.
But what if criticism is about more than the person speaking?
What if God is using even unfair criticism to reveal something in our own hearts?
In today’s readings, we’ll meet a king whose life changed dramatically because of how he responded to correction. We’ll also consider why God’s discipline is actually a sign of His love and how learning to respond humbly to criticism can be one of God’s most important tools for spiritual growth.
Criticism. Correction. Rebuke.
Most of us don’t naturally welcome them.
Even when instruction is given lovingly—or is exactly what we need—our first reaction is often defensiveness, self-justification, hurt, or even anger. Why? Because correction confronts something deep within all of us: pride.
But what if God is using even difficult people, uncomfortable conversations, or unfair criticism as tools to shape our hearts and grow us spiritually?
Today’s readings challenge us to examine whether we truly have a teachable spirit. Do we humbly receive wisdom and instruction, or do we resist correction because we think too highly of ourselves? Scripture says that rejecting wise rebuke is actually harming our own souls, while humility opens the door to wisdom, understanding, and maturity.
We’ll also see that even David—a man after God’s own heart—still struggled at times to trust the Lord fully, resorting instead to his own plans and schemes. Yet through both failure and correction, God continued His sovereign work in David’s life.
And finally, we’ll be reminded of a beautiful prayer every believer should pray: that God would open our eyes to understand His Word and set our hearts ablaze with His truth.
Because a humble, teachable heart is fertile ground for spiritual growth.
When our kids were growing up, we would correct them when they called one another stupid. You probably do the same thing. So, I was surprised to find out that God calls us stupid when we act a certain way. That’s a pretty harsh criticism when you realize the word translated as “stupid” comes from a word meaning “to graze.” One who acts this way is like an ignorant animal, as the old saying goes, “as dumb as an ox.” So, what is it we do that would cause God to call us “stupid”? And what does it have to do with what the cross says about us? Check out today’s post to find out.
When you look around and see the ungodly prospering and others living any way they want, have you ever wondered, does being good matter? Why do some people seem to have no remorse for the way they live and even mock those who try to live right … and seem to get away with it?
