Why is everyone so afraid of criticism?
I tend to welcome criticism and have found that even if 99% of any given critical remark is unwarranted; there is always at least 1% that contains truth. It is that grain of truth that I hunger for because it makes me ponder and reflect on my own thoughts, ideas, and behavior and in so doing helps me to grow.
I love what Piper says when preaching from Hebrews 6:9-12
“The writer to the Hebrews is calling us by his example to grow up and to take the risks of love. He is also calling us to be less easily offended. And less easily hurt. We have a massive foundation for our salvation in the death of the Son of God and we have an advocate in heaven more powerful and more compelling than any accuser on earth. We should be the freest of all people to listen to criticism and take it into account and not be wounded or self-pitying or resentful.”
Just listen to these lines from the Book of Proverbs:
“Better is open rebuke from a friend than hidden love.”
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
“Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.”
“Rebuke a discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.”
“A rebuke impresses a man of discernment.”
“He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.”
“Rebuke a wise man and he will love you.“
I realize that some people are more sensitive than others and the pill of criticism must be crushed and mixed with honey before administered. I am not one of those people. I will readily take the pill whole and taste the bitterness because I look forward to the healing effects of the medicine it contains.
If someone feels I need medicine, I don't want to put someone through the extra time and effort it takes to crush the pill; give it time to dissolve in the honey; and make sure that it won't taste to bitter. Frankly, that seems incredibly self-centered to me. But, there I go again, being insensitive.
I tend to welcome criticism and have found that even if 99% of any given critical remark is unwarranted; there is always at least 1% that contains truth. It is that grain of truth that I hunger for because it makes me ponder and reflect on my own thoughts, ideas, and behavior and in so doing helps me to grow.
I love what Piper says when preaching from Hebrews 6:9-12
“The writer to the Hebrews is calling us by his example to grow up and to take the risks of love. He is also calling us to be less easily offended. And less easily hurt. We have a massive foundation for our salvation in the death of the Son of God and we have an advocate in heaven more powerful and more compelling than any accuser on earth. We should be the freest of all people to listen to criticism and take it into account and not be wounded or self-pitying or resentful.”
Just listen to these lines from the Book of Proverbs:
“Better is open rebuke from a friend than hidden love.”
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
“Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.”
“Rebuke a discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.”
“A rebuke impresses a man of discernment.”
“He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.”
“Rebuke a wise man and he will love you.“
I realize that some people are more sensitive than others and the pill of criticism must be crushed and mixed with honey before administered. I am not one of those people. I will readily take the pill whole and taste the bitterness because I look forward to the healing effects of the medicine it contains.
If someone feels I need medicine, I don't want to put someone through the extra time and effort it takes to crush the pill; give it time to dissolve in the honey; and make sure that it won't taste to bitter. Frankly, that seems incredibly self-centered to me. But, there I go again, being insensitive.
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