Today, I want to bring up an important principle that will help us as we become tougher, more energized Jesus-followers: it’s important to learn the difference between insult and correction.

One of the advantages to building up inner strength is that we can receive legitimate feedback from people who love and care about us. As believers, we are on a journey together and it’s important that our hearts are open to correction. We can’t always see ourselves clearly, and the correction of someone else can potentially save us from a lot of grief and heartache. The thoughts and perspective of another are an invaluable gift to the life of person who wants to “grow up” in Jesus.

As you become resilient, you can let go of defensive reactions and hurt feelings when your friends try to help you go farther and do better. Why? Because you are a person who is strong in the Lord and who welcomes the Godly and loving correction of those who care about you. Because you are secure in Jesus, you can receive the counsel of others with open arms!