Picture two basketball coaches. The first one watches you shoot with terrible form and says nothing. Just, “Great job, buddy!” every single time. The second one walks over, explains what you’re doing wrong, and makes you do it again. And again. And again.

Which coach actually wants you to succeed? Even though it seems way less fun (and maybe even unfair sometimes), it’s the second coach. The first coach who doesn’t say anything isn’t being nice. That coach just doesn’t care enough to help you get better. But the second coach cares enough to give you time and attention to make you better.

It’s the same with God. When God corrects you, it’s not because He’s annoyed with you or has run out of patience. It’s the total opposite. He corrects you because He loves you. He’s paying attention to you and He cares enough to help you be better.

It can be no fun to be told you need to get better, but the best thing you can do is to take a breath, don’t get angry, and try to learn what your coach, parent, or pastor is trying to teach you. Next time you feel like you don’t want to be corrected, take a moment and ask yourself, “What could I learn through this?”

Think About It: When was the last time a grown-up corrected you? How did you feel—embarrassed, annoyed, defensive? Now try seeing it from the other side. Correction takes effort. It would be easier for them to say nothing and let you keep messing up. The fact that they said something means they care about who you’re becoming. God works the same way. He loves you far too much to leave you exactly as you are. That’s something to be thankful for!