How to Humbly Give and Receive Correction: Building Each Other Up

How to Humbly Give and Receive Correction

As human beings, we all struggle with pride, and this makes giving and receiving correction difficult. Correction is a necessary part of life, but it can be challenging to give and receive it graciously. Fortunately, in Exodus 18, we find an excellent example of how to give and receive correction humbly. God uses Jethro and Moses to demonstrate what humble correction looks like on both sides.

The Context

Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, had recently arrived with Moses' wife and two children. Jethro had heard all about God's amazing work through Moses and burst into praise, acknowledging God's supremacy (Exodus 18:10-11). However, Jethro noticed that Moses was spending his entire day judging disputes. Cases were piling up, and Moses was becoming increasingly frustrated and fatigued.

As it turns out, Jethro had some valuable advice for Moses. He suggested that Moses delegate some of his responsibilities to capable leaders and only handle the most significant cases. Jethro's advice was sound, and Moses followed it, resulting in a more efficient and effective system of justice.

The Importance of Correction

Correction is an essential part of growth and maturity. Without correction, we would continue to make the same mistakes and never learn from them. In Proverbs 12:1, we read, "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid." This verse underscores the importance of correction in our lives. We need to be open to correction and willing to learn from our mistakes.

Additionally, correction is necessary in our relationships with others. We all have blind spots and areas where we need improvement. When someone points these out to us, it can be uncomfortable and even painful, but it's ultimately for our good. In Proverbs 27:6, we read, "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." A true friend is willing to speak the truth to us, even if it's difficult to hear.

The Importance of Humility

Humility is a vital ingredient in giving and receiving correction. Without humility, we are unable to receive correction graciously, and we are unable to give it humbly. In Philippians 2:3-4, we read, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your interests but each of you to the interests of the others." This verse underscores the importance of putting others first and prioritizing their needs above our own.

When we approach correction with humility, we are able to receive it with an open mind and heart. We are willing to acknowledge our mistakes and learn from them. Similarly, when we give correction humbly, we do so with the other person's best interests in mind. We seek to build them up, not tear them down.

Tips for Giving Correction Humbly

If you find yourself in a position where you need to give correction, here are some tips for doing so humbly:

1. Pray

Before approaching someone with correction, take some time to pray. Ask God to give you the right words and the right attitude. Pray for the other person's heart to be receptive to what you have to say. Pray for wisdom and discernment.

2. Check Your Motives

Make sure your motives for giving correction are pure. Are you genuinely concerned for the other person's well-being, or are you trying to make yourself look good? Are you seeking to build them up, or are you trying to tear them down? Check your heart before approaching them.

3. Use "I" Statements

When giving correction, use "I" statements instead of "you" statements. For example, instead of saying, "You always do this wrong," say, "I've noticed that this is an area where we could improve." Using "I" statements makes the conversation less accusatory and more collaborative.

4. Be Specific

When giving correction, be specific about what the other person can do to improve. Instead of saying, "You need to be more organized," say, "I think it would be helpful if we created a system for keeping track of deadlines." Specific feedback helps the other person know exactly what they need to do to improve.

5. Offer Solutions

When giving correction, offer solutions instead of just pointing out problems. For example, instead of saying, "Your report is full of errors," say, "I noticed a few errors in your report. Here are some suggestions for how to correct them." Offering solutions shows that you are invested in helping the other person improve.

6. Listen

When giving correction, listen to the other person's perspective. They may have a valid reason for doing things a certain way, or they may have insights that you hadn't considered. Listening shows that you value their input and are willing to work together to find a solution.

Tips for Receiving Correction Humbly

If someone approaches you with correction, here are some tips for receiving it humbly:

1. Listen

When someone approaches you with correction, listen to what they have to say. Resist the urge to become defensive or dismissive. Instead, try to understand their perspective and why they think you need to improve.

2. Ask Questions

If you're not sure what the other person means or why they think you need to improve, ask questions. Clarify their concerns and ask for specific examples of where you could do better.

3. Acknowledge Your Mistakes

If the other person's feedback is valid, acknowledge your mistakes. Admitting that you were wrong can be challenging, but it's essential for growth and maturity.

4. Thank Them

Thank the other person for their feedback. Let them know that you appreciate their willingness to speak the truth to you, even if it was difficult to hear. Gratitude goes a long way in maintaining healthy relationships.

5. Take Action

If the other person's feedback is valid, take action to improve. Create a plan for how you're going to address the issue and follow through on it. Taking action shows that you value the other person's input and are committed to growth and improvement.

Conclusion

Correction is an essential part of growth and maturity. However, giving and receiving correction can be challenging, especially if we struggle with pride. By approaching correction with humility, we can give and receive it graciously, building each other up and growing together. Whether you're giving or receiving correction, remember to pray, check your motives, be specific, offer solutions, and listen. By doing so, you can create a healthy environment for growth and maturity.