Handling Criticism

I feel that I am critized a LOT because of my choice of religion. I usually do okay with it and am kind, but my boyfriend, now he gets angry! His anger when being judged does not reflect us or our religion in a positive way.
No one likes criticism but encountering some is inevitable. While people's words may make us angry you should remain calm and listen for great benefits come to those who consider what's been said.
If we refuse to accept reproof well limit our potential for Christlike character and spiritual growth. Some of life's best lessons come from hard times. If Christ aloud it you can be sure he wants to use it in a way to turn you into the person he wants you to become. Whether the criticism is valid or not, whether it's delivered in harshness or kindness, no matter what, you should responde in a way that glorifies the lord. Remember, you are only responsible for yourself, not how the other person is acting.
When criticism comes your way stay quiet and listen until the other person is done. Make direct eye contact so they know you're listening. When your critic is done tell him thank you for bringing this to your attention and you'll consider what was said. Pray to God and ask him to confirm your innocence if it is deserved and he will.
Every rebuke is an opportunity from God. A chance to show Christs character and show love to your critic. If he is spitting anger at you and you respond with love and kindness you become a powerful testimony. Criticism is also a time you can humble yourself and accept the Lords corrections.
Reading:
Proverbs 15:31-33
Reflect
What are you most often criticized for?
How do you usually deal with this?
What do you need to change when dealing with critics to show glorify Christ.

Life Lesson

I feel like anger is something we post about often, but that's okay. Today during my class at church we were reading an article about a husband and wife and this is their story:
They were newlyweds who had some trauma take place early on and their marriage began to suffer because of it. They argued argued and argued and finally received counseling from the church, went once and didn't go again. Their marriage continued to suffer. Eventually the husband grabbed their sons toy, threw it in the direction of his wife but missed her and hit their son. He was paralyzed.
Imagine the guilt this father felt. Imagine your anger affecting people, even people not directly involved, in such a negative way?
We may think our anger towards someone doesn't hurt anyone else but it probably does and we may not see it until its apparent to us.
Reading:
Proverbs 14:17
Psalm 37:8
Ecclesiastes 7:9
Reflect:
-Are you quick to anger?
-Do you believe your anger doesn't affect others?
-How can you change your anger into a more god like quality?