Disciples ask Father for trusted others who will help us become more like Him. In order for that to happen we need to confront areas that do not yet fully reflect the glory of God. Many people are insecure and would rather simply to be praised and flattered and patted on the back. 

Disciples pray, show me where I can improve. Help me to change. I want to be conformed into the Image of Jesus. Criticism is not very helpful to the disciple. It comes as a put down or judgement against the person. I does nothing to empower or encourage someone to become better because it fails to show how to change. It just says, "you are wrong" "you said that wrong", "you are doing that bad", "you need to do better" Correction shows us ways to live differently. Correction is the heart of Discipleship. 

Only iron sharpens iron. Flattery can only fill our pillows with feathers. Then we roll over and slumber some more.