Day 3: Receiving Judgment From Others
It’s hard to receive negative criticism from others. And when we do receive it, there are usually about three options in how we respond:
- Get angry and offer excuses or blame shift
- Throw our hands in the air and say, “I don’t really care what anybody else thinks.”
- Receive the criticism well, and grow as a result.
Option 1 doesn’t work very well, and doesn’t help us to relationally connect with others well. Option 2 completely removes all capacity for connecting with others. If we never care what others think, we will eventually shut out feedback that may prove quite helpful. Option 3, of course, is the best path to choose. But what does it mean to receive criticism well?
This is a difficult question, but one step is to ask ourselves some tough questions. Is there any truth to what they said? If so, that doesn’t mean I’m a terrible person. It just means I made a mistake and I can grow as a result. Like yesterday’s reading, offering positive self-talk is perhaps the best step we can take.
As you read today, consider this: How well do you receive judgment or criticism from others?
READING:
Galatians 6:1; Proverbs 27:6; Ephesians 4:29; Ecclesiastes 5:2
How well do you receive judgment or criticism from others?
What does it mean to restore somebody gently? (Galatians 6:1)
A counselor once said, “If somebody treats you poorly and you continue to allow them to treat you poorly, you’re basically teaching them that it’s OK to treat you poorly.” What steps can you take to receive criticism from others, and help coach them on how they can share constructive criticism with you in a way that you will receive it well?
God is inviting you to change the way you see yourself. How will you think differently about yourself this week?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, there are some people in my life who I feel comfortable receiving constructive feedback from, but there are others who often share feedback in such a way that leads me to anger. Provide me the wisdom I need to help others share constructive feedback with me in a way that will lead me to growth. This will be difficult, but I will continue to trust You throughout the process. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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