The Gift We Often Resist
Devotional week 31
“Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil…” — Psalm 141:5a (KJV)
Sometimes, receiving feedback feels like a slap, sudden, uncomfortable, and difficult to accept. Our first instinct might be to defend ourselves or walk away. But in Psalm 141:5, David invites us to see correction differently. He describes it as a kindness, as something valuable and healing, like fine oil. That is a very different way of thinking.
There is a story in the Bible that brings this to life in a relatable way. After leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses found himself overwhelmed. He was trying to handle every dispute, every question, and every issue on his own. From morning until evening, people lined up to speak with him, and Moses carried the weight of leadership alone.
During this time, his father-in-law, Jethro, came to visit. He watched Moses at work and saw how tired he had become. Jethro did not shame him or question his abilities. Instead, he pulled him aside and said with care, "What you are doing is not good. You will wear yourself out." Then he offered advice train others, delegate responsibility, and share the burden.
Moses could have become defensive. He could have said, "You do not understand what I am going through." But he did not. He listened. And because he listened, things changed. The load became lighter, others were empowered to serve, and the entire community benefited.
This story reminds us that correction is not always comfortable, but it is often necessary. What feels like a painful moment might actually be God's way of protecting us from something heavier down the road. Sometimes, the most loving thing someone can do is tell us the truth we do not want to hear.
Challenge
Think back to a time when someone gave you feedback that was hard to receive. Could it have been God’s kindness wrapped in honesty? And is there someone around you who may need your gentle wisdom today?
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for loving me enough to correct me. Please help me to receive feedback with humility, and not with pride or fear. And when I need to speak into someone else's life, help me do it with gentleness, grace, and a desire to see them grow. Amen.