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Receiving CorrectionMost Christians will admit that correction is necessary. Few will admit they enjoy receiving it. Yet the difference between spiritual growth and spiritual stagnation is often found in how a person responds when God, His Word, or another believer points out an error.The Bible does not merely teach that correction is needed—it teaches us how to receive it. "He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.” — Proverbs 10:17 (KJV)The first step in receiving correction is to listen before defending yourself. Our natural tendency is to explain, excuse, justify, or shift blame. A humble heart pauses and asks, "Is there truth in what is being said?" Even if the correction is delivered imperfectly, there may still be truth that needs to be considered.The second step is to receive correction as a friend rather than an enemy. "Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil.” — Psalm 141:5 (KJV)David understood that faithful correction was an act of kindness. The person who never receives correction will never see his blind spots. God often uses pastors, parents, teachers, friends, and even difficult circumstances to reveal areas that need attention.The third step is to submit to God's Word rather than your feelings. Many reject correction because it hurts their pride. The question is not, "Do I like what was said?" The question is, "Is it true according to Scripture?" Truth does not become false because it is uncomfortable.The fourth step is to make the needed change. Correction accomplishes little if it is acknowledged but never applied. "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” — James 1:22 (KJV)The purpose of correction is not humiliation. God's purpose is restoration. He does not expose a problem merely to condemn us; He exposes it so it can be corrected.A wise man does not prove his wisdom by never being wrong. He proves his wisdom by being willing to be corrected when he is wrong. A Final Thought Admonition warns. Reproof exposes. Rebuke confronts. Correction restores.The proud resist correction because they want to protect their reputation. The wise receive correction because they desire God's transformation."Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” — Proverbs 12:1 (KJV)