Giving and receiving feedback is a useful tool for growth. This includes taking turns discussing how we are doing, what type of help we need, and areas of growth for are future. Sometimes thi
ngs come up that maybe we would rather not hear, but nevertheless needs to be said. This is where not taking things personal and not becoming defensive comes in handy.
It reminds me of my early years of marriage of receiving feedback in areas that I could improve. But I was faced with a decision. Was I going to accept defeat and not change, or was I willing to accept the feedback and allow it to enhance my life? If I really wanted to increase my ability as a wife and individual, it was important to accept this feedback and do what I could to change.
Being told that you have an issue that is affecting others in negative ways can be difficult to listen to. It takes time to filter out the information and not feel condemned or like a failure. For me, overcoming the condemnation made it easier to humble myself and make the changes necessary. Doing this gave me to courage to face my weaknesses head on and make the necessary changes. As I began to improve my speaking abilities, I began to enjoy the benefits of changing my ways.
What type of feedback is your environment giving you? Are people afraid to give you honest advice? Do you really want to hear the truth? Are you willing to make the changes that are necessary for growth?
When we are just drifting through life on autopilot, sometimes we need a good kick in the pants. James 4:10 advises us to humble ourselves. We can either humble ourselves or God will humble us. It is our choice. We must resist the temptation to become stubborn or defensive.
Make a fresh commitment today to accept feedback and allow it to move you forward into greater change and maturity. Let go of all condemnation and ask the Lord for wisdom and courage to accept this challenge. There are great mountains for you to conquer, but it takes developing your character by receiving feedback.