Psalm
141:5
Let
the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it
shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer
also shall be in their calamities.
"You
were really out of line back there."
Alan
looked over at Barbara and nodded. He had been angry about a mix-up at the bank
and had taken out his wrath on a poor, innocent teller. His temper often got
him into hot water. Without a word, the two turned around and headed back to
the bank. Though the line was long, Alan waited until he could return to the
same teller, where he then apologized.
We
need to have loving friends around us who will let us know when we are doing
something wrong. If we are to grow, we need to have our shortcomings pointed
out to us, so we can turn our weaknesses into strengths. Loving, constructive
criticism will not hurt us; in fact, it will make us feel better. Love each
other enough to criticize, for in caring criticism is the seed of maturity.
Prayer:
I do so many foolish things. I allow my own emotions to get the best of me at
times. Channel my passions into constructive streams, and show me the better
ways to go. Amen
