Bristling of Pride

When someone is easily offended by suggestions or correction they have a problem with pride.

All of us make mistakes from time to time, how we respond to correction shows our inner heart. If we are easily offended then prideful, if gracious in acknowledging the correction to improve then there is a humble spirit.

Proverbs 12:1 "1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid."

Those who refuse to be corrected will not grow in Christlikeness.

Proverbs 15:31-33 "…31 He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. 32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. 33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.…"

When someone easily corrects others but cannot stand to be corrected themselves we are watching pride in action.

Philippians 2:3-4
"3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."

Hypersensitivity to correction or instruction is sinful and foolish, it causes those who are plagued with it to remain infants in their spiritual growth. It also could be a sign that someone was never born again.

God disciplines His children when they are stubborn and unreachable.

Hebrews 12:5-7 "…5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises everyone He receives as a son.” 7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?"

If you find yourself bristling at that sound of correction it is time to go to prayer for cleansing.

1 John 1:9 "
"9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

If you find it too difficult or unthinkable to say sorry to someone when they have pointed out a flaw, then there is pride that needs to be confessed to be cleansed.

It is only through confession of flaws and sins on a regular basis that will grow the born again believer. Stagnation is not an option for those who claim to be in Christ.