Receiving constructive Input
No one likes to hear criticism. But we do have “blind sides”. What is a “blind side”? It is simply something that others see clearly about you, but you don’t see it. Impossible? Well no. I am sure I still have a few “blind-sides”… but then there was this recent one.
A friend - a true friend - pointed out to me that I sometimes give a very ‘sharp’ answer. Its not all the time… but when I am stressed, when I am not thinking, when there are other things on my mind.. well I can be harsh.
It was no use to deny it - you see I trust this friend and her input in my life. Denials, Defensiveness… or Openness to Input? Help, constructive input is specific, loving and direct. It points out a particular issue and is usually a first-hand observation. It is not “general”. “You do this ALL the time” or “You always act this way” - is not helpful or even correct. However, input that is from a trusted friend and done with a genuine heart’s desire to help the other - and is specific to an incident - well that is useful.
God’s Word also can ‘convince’ us of a particular thing we have done wrong. And when God is truely working on our hearts - this input is specific, loving and direct.
But then, God is a Friend - a real friend. Friends can give us comfort. Friends are good company. Friends see the best in us and bring it out. But a friend - a real friend - also gives us feedback. It is not over every ‘incident’ or misstep. That’s not a friend, that is a Critic! (You know what I mean - like those movie critics who take a movie you like and find every little problem and shred it to pieces). A friend is sensitive with their comments and tries to find the right moment (timing is everything).
I have often experienced a friends loving input is often ‘in sync’ with what God is doing in my heart. Let God give input into your life. Ask Him to show you what needs to be changed. His input is loving, kind, constructive, specific and timely.