Handling Criticism

Receiving criticism can be a painful thing in life. How might we receive criticism in a way that honors God?  To help us in this, I quote from Vaughn Roberts book True Friendship: Walking Shoulder to Shoulder:

• Expect it: given our sins and weaknesses, we should be surprised we receive so little criticism.
• Examine it: we should resist the instinctive temptation to defend ourselves or attack the critic, but rather consider whether there is truth in what is being said.
• Endure it: even when we feel it is unfair we must not be resentful.

How we handle criticism is a good barometer of our humility and wisdom. May God help us not be characterized by a fear others and their correction or a love of being in a state of perpetual anger.