Situation
Receiving Criticism
How we receive criticism reveals more about our character than almost anything else. Christlikeness here is both humble and grounded.
In the moment
When the words land
Attitudes
I hold my first reaction loosely — defensiveness is natural but not always right
I separate how it was delivered from what was said — harsh delivery does not make feedback worthless
I assume there may be something true in it before I decide it is all wrong
Actions
I listen fully before I respond — I do not prepare my defense while they are still talking
I take time before responding if I need it — a calm reply later is better than a reactive one now
I thank the person for telling me, even if I need time to process whether they are right
Over time
After you've had time to process
Attitudes
When criticism is genuinely unjust, I bring it to God rather than letting it define how I see myself
My worth is not determined by anyone's assessment of me — including my own
I do not let repeated unfair criticism make me closed to feedback that is actually true
Actions
I take the criticism to God and ask him what is true in it
I ask a trusted friend whether it has merit — someone who will tell me the truth, not just agree with me
If the criticism was false and damaging, I address it directly and in private first