Two-minute read.
Constructive criticism helps people grow and mature, enabling them to reach their full potential. People who genuinely love you will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. Personally, I don’t want yes people in my life; I prefer to surround myself with people who help me flourish.
“I’m afraid they only tell you what you want to hear.”
Ron, talking about my Board of Directors, friends in my life I go to for advice, worried they only wanted to appease me. Many of the women I have known for decades, some not quite as long, but they all love Jesus and have walked with Him for years. When I turn to them for advice, they tell me the truth and guide me in the right direction.
For instance, in the year before I met Ron, my mom suffered a medical emergency that threw our entire family into chaos. Everyone reacted differently, tensions ran high, and relationships broke down. One weekend, my mom ended up in the hospital at the same time as my brother’s wife, who cared for both. Scheduled to go away for the weekend, I had coffee with one of my directors to share the developments with her.
“If you want a relationship with your brother, you need to stay home and help. Cancel your trip.”
Only hours away from departure, I knew she had told me a vital truth I needed to hear. Without hesitation, I canceled the trip, collected my mother from the hospital, and took her home, freeing my brother to take care of his wife, and salvaging our relationship. Years later, I consider it one of the best pieces of advice I ever received, grateful for a friend who sharpened me with her words.
Friends help develop each other’s character through constructive criticism that helps them see their blind spots, address them, and grow. We all have areas we can’t see that harm us. Only with trusted friendships can we deal with the issues that stunt our growth. Developing intentional relationships with mature followers of Christ will help us to become the person God designed us to become. Fulfilling our purpose takes a village; we need community to help us mature. Surrounding ourselves with wise friends will sharpen us, developing our character and helping us become more like Christ.
Journal Questions:
What friends sharpen you in your walk with Jesus?
How can you become better at telling the truth in love?
How can you develop Christ-centered relationships today?
Friendship Application:
Seek wise advice for an area you find yourself struggling in today.
