“Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise (Prov. 15:31). Whoever hates correction is stupid (Prov. 12:1). “Better a poor and wise youth than an old, foolish king who no longer knows how to take advice” (Eccl. 4:13).
Lord Jesus, scanning through my old NIV, it’s no surprise how many verses I’ve highlighted about staying teachable, correctable, and receiving feedback humbly. I’m not an “old king,” but I am 71 and change, and I’d love to finish life less condemn-able, but more convict-able and repent-able.
After all, my identity isn’t tied to being right, but being righteous in you. Hallelujah! And the more of your beauty, grace, and love I experience in the Gospel, the less I get my feelings hurt, and the more I want my heart to change.
So, help me anticipate and welcome feedback—whether it’s about my attitude, excesses, irritating ways, or selfish choices. First of all, let me hear these things in the pages of the Scriptures. Better a humble, gentle, kind heart than a multi-colored underlined Bible.
Equally, may I receive feedback non-defensively from my family, friends, co-workers—even angels you send in the form of strangers (Heb. 13:2). If I were to choose an animal analogy, make me less a porcupine, and more a labradoodle. Jesus, Help me, free me, and free me some more. There really is “now therefore NO condemnation.” So very Amen I pray, in your merciful and mighty name.