"If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you." Proverbs 1:23

Sometimes God's messages come in unexpected ways, through unexpected channels. We can miss it all too easily if we aren't looking carefully. I have been challenged lately to not only accept correction and criticism with thankfulness, as is so often commanded in the Bible, but to accept it despite the manner it which it is given or who it comes from…family, friend, or stranger.

I've had my share of people saying things to me in an unkind manner. In each situation, I can choose to dwell on my feelings being hurt, or I can honestly assess what they said to see if there was truth in their words. More often then not, it's my attitude that needs help, not theirs. And even if they are wrong or hurtful in their words, that doesn't mean God can't use it for good. As C.J. Mahaney writes,

"Humility doesn't demand mathematical precision from another's input; humility postures itself to receive God's grace from any avenue possible." 

Awhile ago I had a conversation with someone that gave me a chance to put this into practice. I came away feeling like this person wasn't willing or interested in understanding why I am living the way I am. I felt that they had spoken without consideration for my feelings, and that all they were only interested in their own opinions of how people should live their lives. Even though I know they meant no harm, I still felt hurt by their self-assured manner.

I thought I had the right to ignore what they had said, because after all, they didn't know me or know my background. But deep down I also wanted to dismiss what they said because it had brought some conviction to my heart. It took me awhile until I was willing to honestly look at why I felt hurt. But as I did, I began to realize that there was truth to be gained from this particular conversation.

Maybe this person didn't understand, but they had a point about something. Something I knew God wanted me to being changing in my life, but I hadn't been, so He brought a reminder and rebuke by way of this person. Talk about a humbling experience! My attitude didn't change right away, and sometimes I still have to work on it when I look back. Yet instead of continuing to be upset, I am now able to thank God for bringing this person across my path.

We have a choice in how we respond to what people say to us, pleasant and unpleasant alike. Accepting criticism and rebuke isn't easy; I'll be the first to say that it's plan HARD! It humbles our pride. But there are blessings to be reaped, lessons to be learned, and wisdom to be gained if we are willing to listen for God's voice as we sift through the chaff to find the kernals.

"He who ignores discipline comes to proverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored." -Proverbs 13:18