The Gift of Feedback

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17

Two years ago, I stepped completely out of my comfort zone. After owning and running a very successful hair and makeup company for over 12 years, I made the decision to work in business development for a dear friend of mine.

It was like walking into the unknown. I had no idea what to expect, but I knew I loved to work, I loved a challenge, and I loved to learn. The experience only lasted about seven months, but in that short time, I learned some of the most valuable lessons. 

Unfortunately, my relationship with my friend became estranged after that experience—until just recently. This morning, I woke up to a text message from her asking for feedback on the position I had with her company.

I admire that. I admire someone who has the courage to look back, acknowledge that things may not have gone as planned, and seek to grow. Feedback is hard. I know this because for much of my life, I hated feedback.

For years, I saw feedback as criticism. It felt like someone was pointing out what I was doing wrong, telling me I wasn’t good enough. Instead of viewing it as an opportunity to improve, I let it feed my insecurities.

But I’ve learned something powerful: feedback isn’t criticism—it’s a tool for growth. It’s an invitation to change, to be better, to reflect on how you can move closer to the person God created you to be.

Today, my daily prayer is that God gives me feedback. Even in the littlest of things:

• How I greet my children in the morning.

• How I serve my husband.

• How I treat others in my life.

Jesus’ priority for us is clear: we are called to live a life that mirrors Him. And when I take His feedback—not as condemnation, but as a gentle reminder of His love—I can see how He’s working to refine me every day.

My prayer: 

Lord, thank You for being a God who loves me enough to guide me toward growth. Help me to receive feedback with humility and grace, and show me how I can use it to reflect Your love in my life.

Teach me to welcome Your reminders, no matter how small, so that I can be a better parent, spouse, and servant to others. Thank You for refining me daily and reminding me that Your feedback is rooted in love and care.

In Jesus’ name, amen.