WISDOM'S JOURNEY: Do you LOVE correction? Proverbs 12:1
Do you LOVE correction?
TODAY'S PROVERB: Whoever loves knowledge loves correction, but whoever hates reproof is stupid. Proverbs 12:1
I must admit, I don't love correction, yet. I'm better than I was--I don't fear or hate it anymore.
Correction involves at least two people: the giver and the receiver(s). Since in our lifetime we've been both, I thought I'd delve a bit into the Giver.
Before I even began looking into this, it was as if the LORD whispered, "Criticism." It then struck me that all too often criticism mixes in with correction and creates problems. So, my study refined into what the difference was between correction and criticism.
I found a helpful article written by a Pastor Todd Bishop [1]. He begins by saying that both correction and criticism are uncomfortable, but only one produces a positive outcome. I don't know that I completely agree with this, but I get what he means.
Correction and Criticism's outcomes are based on the heart--intention--of the giver and receiver. And that's important to remember.
Bishop highlights 5 differences between those intentions.
A Correction is to:
1. Direct us. Correction directs us to a goal--it shows us how to reach that destination.
###Criticism points at us in order to point to our flaws.
2. Inspect us. Corrections inspects how we reached a wrong conclusion or decision in order for us to correct the area(s) we missed. It points to a standard we might have missed.
###Criticism only focuses on the error.
3. Help us reflect. If we struggle seeing where we went off course, correction helps us examine where it is.
###Criticism questions our intentions and character.
4. Perfect us. Correction shows us how to develop GOD's character in us. To be who we are in Him.
###Criticism embellishes our flaws and makes us feel guilty rather than convicted.
5. Show respect to us. A Godly correction comes from someone who sees who we can be. It draws us closer to GOD and each other.
###Criticism tries to create a false sense of hierarchy--to make the critic seem superior to us and thus divides.
I would add that correction takes more thought and time. If we do correction properly, it can be a fruitful teaching moment. I would also say the bigger the correction, the more prayerful preparation is required.
As the receiver, it's important to remember to test the truth of whether the giver is providing a correction or criticism. Sometimes the criticism is wrapped up in a bad-intended truth--but it is truth nonetheless.
Also, as the receiver, we can learn much about ourselves by our responses to corrections or criticisms. Examine those responses as they can reveal problem areas in our own heart. These refining moments can move us into a higher level of maturity. To build character and a deeper walk with our Father and each other. And that's a good thing.
May we love correction, my friends.
Proverbs 12:1, Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version - TLV #tlvbible #tlvproverbs
[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]
[1]https://toddbishop.tv/
I must admit, I don't love correction, yet. I'm better than I was--I don't fear or hate it anymore.
Correction involves at least two people: the giver and the receiver(s). Since in our lifetime we've been both, I thought I'd delve a bit into the Giver.
Before I even began looking into this, it was as if the LORD whispered, "Criticism." It then struck me that all too often criticism mixes in with correction and creates problems. So, my study refined into what the difference was between correction and criticism.
I found a helpful article written by a Pastor Todd Bishop [1]. He begins by saying that both correction and criticism are uncomfortable, but only one produces a positive outcome. I don't know that I completely agree with this, but I get what he means.
Correction and Criticism's outcomes are based on the heart--intention--of the giver and receiver. And that's important to remember.
Bishop highlights 5 differences between those intentions.
A Correction is to:
1. Direct us. Correction directs us to a goal--it shows us how to reach that destination.
###Criticism points at us in order to point to our flaws.
2. Inspect us. Corrections inspects how we reached a wrong conclusion or decision in order for us to correct the area(s) we missed. It points to a standard we might have missed.
###Criticism only focuses on the error.
3. Help us reflect. If we struggle seeing where we went off course, correction helps us examine where it is.
###Criticism questions our intentions and character.
4. Perfect us. Correction shows us how to develop GOD's character in us. To be who we are in Him.
###Criticism embellishes our flaws and makes us feel guilty rather than convicted.
5. Show respect to us. A Godly correction comes from someone who sees who we can be. It draws us closer to GOD and each other.
###Criticism tries to create a false sense of hierarchy--to make the critic seem superior to us and thus divides.
I would add that correction takes more thought and time. If we do correction properly, it can be a fruitful teaching moment. I would also say the bigger the correction, the more prayerful preparation is required.
As the receiver, it's important to remember to test the truth of whether the giver is providing a correction or criticism. Sometimes the criticism is wrapped up in a bad-intended truth--but it is truth nonetheless.
Also, as the receiver, we can learn much about ourselves by our responses to corrections or criticisms. Examine those responses as they can reveal problem areas in our own heart. These refining moments can move us into a higher level of maturity. To build character and a deeper walk with our Father and each other. And that's a good thing.
May we love correction, my friends.
Proverbs 12:1, Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version - TLV #tlvbible #tlvproverbs
[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]
[1]https://toddbishop.tv/
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