READ: PROVERBS 15:31-33; HEBREWS 12:5-13

When we’ve done something wrong, and someone calls us out on it, what’s our response? Shrug it off? Refute their claims? Sink into shame or self-hatred? Or do we remind ourselves of our identity in Christ—as beloved, forgiven children of God—then take the time to think about what they’ve said and consider how to do better next time?

Friends, we are—by nature—not very good at accepting correction. We can get so wrapped up in our anger, defensiveness, and hurt that we miss out on what loving correction is supposed to be—a nudge onto a better path. As I put it to my youth group a few weeks ago, “Humility is in short supply.”

God puts people in our lives to encourage and support us, and also to call us out when we’re missing the mark or wandering down the wrong path.

There are plenty of examples in the Bible. Apollos didn’t have the full picture of the gospel, so Priscilla and Aquila explained God’s ways to him more fully in Acts 18:24-28. In 2 Samuel 12, the prophet Nathan rebuked David for sinning when he used his power as king to have sex with Bathsheba and arrange for her husband’s death. In Exodus 18, Jethro, Moses’s father-in-law, worried that Moses was overworking himself while he was settling disputes between the people of Israel, and Jethro proposed a new system.

All three of these leaders took the correction and went on to continue to follow God and see Him do amazing things! What about me and you? It’s so hard to accept correction with humility and grace, but as we lean on the Holy Spirit, with time and practice, we can get better at it. We can ask God to soften our hearts and open our eyes to see the whole truth—not just what we want to see. Correction isn’t supposed to tear us down—it’s supposed to build us up! It makes us wiser, stronger, and better equipped for what God has in store for us.

The next time you find yourself standing corrected, slow down, breathe, and take the time to think before you respond. Is the heart behind their advice or rebuke to hurt you, or to help you? Lean on Jesus, lay aside your pride, and learn to listen. That’s how we grow! • Hannah Ruth Johnson

• Can you think of a time when someone’s advice or correction has been helpful for you? Consider taking a moment to thank Jesus for that person and the advice they gave!

If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Proverbs 15:32 (NLT)