Work toward unity, and live in harmony with one another. Avoid thinking you are better than others or wiser than the rest; instead, embrace common people and ordinary tasks. Romans 12:16
A Professor walked into his classroom placed his things on the desk, went to the board and proceeded to write an equation numerous times. But on the last time, he made a mistake, he wrote it wrong. The students began to laugh and make comments. Then he spoke and said “I wrote the equation correctly nine times, and you said nothing. But when I wrote it wrong the last time, you laughed and criticized me. Why do you think that is?”
One student was brave enough to answer with “because you’re supposed to be smarter than we are.” To which he said, “perhaps I have more authority than you, but I’m still a human who makes mistakes and is not perfect.” He went on to remind them that most people will point out a mistake quicker and more that encouraging someone. And that even in correction we can do it in an encouraging way that helps a person learn from the mistake.
He said what it truly shows when we are critical of others, is because it only points out the lack they feel within themselves. Those who are secure in who they are can accept criticism. This is because they see it as what helps them see and remember the good in themselves and their successes, even if they were rooted in a failure. Seeing the good and positive in others and ourselves can change everything.
Jesus never had an issue with correcting people and He did it in such a way that it was encouraging yet truthful so give people something to consider. Those who chose to accept His correction, made the needed changes and flourished. Correcting someone isn’t about being right or wrong it’s about seeing the best in someone and helping them see it also in themselves helping them learn to receive correction just like Jesus did.
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