Ah… saved by criticsm. Yes by all means! For both the giver and the receiver. At times I have had to dig deep to find the water and sunshine to grow from an experience of someone extending criticsm to me, in hopes that I would benefit from it. However, God is so faithful to be in every step of the growth process…
Knowing our weakness, and having them pointed out to us in a loving, productive manner points us to where and WHO strength and change is possible.
May we be an extension of God’s grace in the form of loving words, acts of encouragement, and coming alongside as an example, rather than force the situation with comments as ‘do and be different’.
I believe that this is true, but in balance. We wouldn’t have the will to do something unknown to us if we didn’t recieve positive feedback, or praise. On the same hand, we need to be open to constructive criticism and able to look at ourselves and learn from input. To take the information, process it and evaluate how it can be used to change us. If it doesn’t fit, truly doesn’t fit, then we toss it and not keep it as truth….I think that Dede put it that when it is done in a loving manner, it is the right way to go…a potter doesn’t shape clay through coarse handling, but through gently shaping…
I loved the analogy Patti used… what an excellent illustration of the goal. I’ve been wresting with the practice myself for quite awhile (blogged about it a bunch too).
We’re called to be salt & light, to be a preservative, and so on. However, if someone is feeling unloved by our actions, isn’t it likely (though not certain) that we’re poorly representing Jesus?
I’ve learned there are two important aspects: relationship, and attitude.
I remember hearing that “rebuke without relationship yields rebellion”. If there isnt even a modicum of love in friendship, it will likely be a bitter pill.
If you come off as a pious person (or even someone that they can’t relate to, maybe you typically make better choices/attend church/etc, and that is something very different from another persons life) it will not likely be well received.
April 13, 2007 at 7:14 am
Ah… saved by criticsm. Yes by all means! For both the giver and the receiver. At times I have had to dig deep to find the water and sunshine to grow from an experience of someone extending criticsm to me, in hopes that I would benefit from it. However, God is so faithful to be in every step of the growth process…
Knowing our weakness, and having them pointed out to us in a loving, productive manner points us to where and WHO strength and change is possible.
May we be an extension of God’s grace in the form of loving words, acts of encouragement, and coming alongside as an example, rather than force the situation with comments as ‘do and be different’.
April 13, 2007 at 10:23 am
I believe that this is true, but in balance. We wouldn’t have the will to do something unknown to us if we didn’t recieve positive feedback, or praise. On the same hand, we need to be open to constructive criticism and able to look at ourselves and learn from input. To take the information, process it and evaluate how it can be used to change us. If it doesn’t fit, truly doesn’t fit, then we toss it and not keep it as truth….I think that Dede put it that when it is done in a loving manner, it is the right way to go…a potter doesn’t shape clay through coarse handling, but through gently shaping…
April 13, 2007 at 11:46 am
I would not be surprised if Mr. Peale was one who rather enjoyed levelling criticism to others, as this too is a criticism.
While I would not want to be one who shies away from a neccessary critique; I would not mind being accused of “ruining” others with my praise.
April 13, 2007 at 2:17 pm
I loved the analogy Patti used… what an excellent illustration of the goal. I’ve been wresting with the practice myself for quite awhile (blogged about it a bunch too).
We’re called to be salt & light, to be a preservative, and so on. However, if someone is feeling unloved by our actions, isn’t it likely (though not certain) that we’re poorly representing Jesus?
I’ve learned there are two important aspects: relationship, and attitude.
I remember hearing that “rebuke without relationship yields rebellion”. If there isnt even a modicum of love in friendship, it will likely be a bitter pill.
If you come off as a pious person (or even someone that they can’t relate to, maybe you typically make better choices/attend church/etc, and that is something very different from another persons life) it will not likely be well received.