We learn the most when we are confronted with our own flaws. Those who focus on their strengths will remain stagnant and even regress.
The strengths do not need work but the flaws do. If we are satisfied with ourselves we will not be inclined to improve and grow emotionally or Spiritually.
I don't know about you but I am not the same person I was when I became born again and I don't want to be the same person when I die that I am right now.
A strong person can admit their flaws and carry on to do better. It is a strong person who does not receive flattery but would rather hear a correction from God or a trusted friend than millions of people who flatter them.
Proverbs 29:5
"A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet."
Proverbs 26:24-28
"Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred be covered with deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling. A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin."
A good friend does not come in an angry spirit to beat us down when we have a flaw, rather they come in meekness with a desire to share a helpful and Biblical solution.
It is not hard to see when someone comes to "beat you up" to win over you or when they come because they love us deeply with concern and kindness.
Whatever the case our calm and kind response is on us, their anger is on them. We must respond and not react in emotional outbursts. If we love others we desire to learn what bothers them and we desire to resolve a problem.
Sadly though, in our day people want to vent but they will not discuss, as they withhold information and will not be honest and genuine. It is nearly impossible to discuss someone who stonewalls and refuses to be honest. In a case like this we remove ourselves and pray that God would work in both of us to do the right thing.
Proverbs 28:23
"Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue."
Job 32:21-22
"I will not show partiality to any man or use flattery toward any person. For I do not know how to flatter, else my Maker would soon take me away."
When the Holy Spirit is working in our hearts our desire is to learn our flaws and pray that He cleanse us of them. There is nothing more wonderful than two believers who are discussing a problem while each loves with the kindness of Christ in the exchange.
