In the previous article, entitled “I Wish” we tackled encountering several types of people, and how each type has a particular role: one loves you, another teaches you, and a third tests you. Thus, you should learn how to understand the nature of each type, the way of dealing with it, and its space in your life. Then we spoke of those who are full of love, purity, and encouragement of whoever they meet.
Whoever loves you supports you at times of weakness and inability to resume your path. They bear flambeaux of hope which enlighten your passage. Indeed, they know nothing but giving: for their hearts are full of love and hope which they teach whoever they encounter.
Another type has true love. They take people’s material, psychological, and spiritual needs into consideration, offer them generously, waiting for nothing in return: for they have set God before their eyes as an example of giving and philanthropy. They have learnt to understand man’s heart and needs, thus, sensing his pains and joys and offering whatever they can.
There also honest counselors who give you heartfelt advice that help you progress and succeed. Here some people might ask about the difference between advice and criticism: for both show mistakes and weaknesses. Indeed there is a great difference in the motives that goad each. We give advice to whoever we care about with a fatherly or friendly love. On the other hand, criticism has to do with ideas more than feelings. One can criticize a situation or work without knowing the doer. Yet, one cannot offer advice to the suitable person without knowing him. In both cases, you should not ignore what is said to you. Think before you judge its goodness or badness.
I liked what Gibran said when Mustafa Lutfy al-Manfaluti published a critique for a story that the former wrote entitled, “The Happy Man’s Rose”. It was published in “Rebellious Spirits”. Gibran said, “I was very pleased with this critique: for criticism is the food of new principles, especially if its source is a man like al-Manfaluti.” Gibran realized the importance of edifying criticism which nourishes ideas and boosts principles that they might become strong and upright. If this is how your regard criticism, then how would you regard a piece of advice?
To be continued …
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
