Open to criticism and discipline

For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
    and chastises every son whom he receives.

~ Hebrews 12:6-7, ESV ~

Part of our human nature is that we will make mistakes. We also have a deep sense of feeling incomplete. Otherwise, if we were perfect, we’d not make mistakes and possess a sense of being whole.

What then is the heart of our existence? What purpose do we have? The answer is simple: to experience life in order to grow. This happens when we develop ways to learn from our own mistakes. We grow to become better  individuals. Because, we have somehow learned that being open to criticism is dangerous. Who are you too judge? We may ask.

Our life is a process of learning, gaining knowledge, developing wisdom, and being open to discipline. Much like a child, our Heavenly Father corrects us in order to assist us in maintaining our footing on the right path. His gift to us is our moral agency. When we fail, make mistakes, and give way to temptation – …he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9, ESV).

When we live in relationship with our Heavenly Father, we are able to stand up for ourselves, and a right to understand we are only human and sometimes fall short of His design and will for our own lives. When we are forgiving of ourselves and step out of the illusion of perfection, we begin to live free in His divine and sovereign grace. We begin to accept the reality that we are incomplete without God’s love and mercy.