Be gentle (4)

When someone corrects you, be teachable and not unreachable. “Let every man be quick to listen but slow to use his tongue, and slow to lose his temper” (James 1:19 PHPS). If you do the first two things, the third one naturally falls into place. If you are quick to listen and slow to answer back, you’re going to be slow to lose your temper. “Whoever heeds correction is honored.” So use your ears more than your mouth, and be willing to accept correction. The wisest people have a “teach me” attitude and are willing to learn from others. You can learn from anyone, if you just know the right questions to ask. It is important that you never stop asking questions, because the moment you’re through learning in life, you’re through! Period! Be teachable, not unreachable. Husband, can you learn from your wife, or does that threaten you? When she makes a suggestion, do you get defensive? Do you take every comment as a threat to your manhood? Wife, can you learn from your husband? Parent, can you learn from your children? If you want to end up lonely in life, never admit your mistakes, never learn from anyone, and never let anyone teach you anything. How long has it been since you admitted to your spouse, “Honey, I was wrong; it was my fault”? Some people haven’t said that in years. The Bible says, “Humbly accept the word planted in you” (James 1:21 NIV). The word humble here means “gentle.” When you approach God’s Word, you ought to approach it with a gentle or humble attitude that says, “Lord, I’m willing to be taught.”