Day 6: Receiving Correction with Humility

Opening Scripture

Proverbs 12:1 (NIV) Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.

Devotional Reflection

When Christ sent His disciples out to minister to the people of the city, He later brought them back to discuss their experience. As we devote ourselves to the teaching of Scripture, we too must go and do likewise—but then we need time to process what we have experienced and receive feedback.

They shared with Jesus how amazing it was that even the demons listened to them. Jesus, however, corrected them, saying, “However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” His point was that they had missed the greater purpose of the experience. The emphasis was to be placed on salvation more than deliverance from demons. He gave them feedback. We are not truly devoted to the teaching of the Word until we are ready and open to receive feedback from our teachers.

Receiving feedback is not easy. It requires humility. Without humility, our devotion remains shallow. We must humble ourselves, remembering that there is always more to learn. We must be slow to speak and slow to anger. Perhaps the feedback is something we already knew, but the humility to listen—even to feedback we already know or may disagree with—is a practice that keeps us open to what we still need to hear. When we dismiss anyone’s feedback, it becomes easier to dismiss all feedback. True humility is revealed in the practice of listening to our teachers.

The Examen

Where have I recently resisted correction or feedback, and what might that resistance reveal about my heart?

Who has God placed in my life to help shape me, and how willing am I to receive their input with humility?

Lectio Divina Scripture

Proverbs 27:5–6 (NIV) 5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

Read the passage slowly, out loud, several times. With each reading, emphasize a different word or phrase. Notice what stands out and why.

Prayer Prompt

Lord, give me wisdom to choose mature and wise teachers. And help me to humble myself enough to listen to their feedback without offense. Amen.