“A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.”
Proverbs 17:10
No one looks forward to receiving a rebuke. However the bible makes it clear that a rebuke is correction out of love. And even if it may sting we should not reject it because the scripture says, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” Proverbs 27:5
Now, I’m not saying that you should begin going around “correcting” everyone’s faults. Remember Christ said to remove the plank in your own first (Mathew 7:5).
But, the next time someone tells you of something you are doing wrong, thank them and leave it at that. Then examine yourself against the rebuke. Proverbs 27:5 demonstrates that only a man of understanding will take a rebuke to heart which will have a long lasting effect.
In evangelism we must be willing to accept rebuke; some warranted some not. Discernment will filter the two. But before you launch into a defense (as I have mistakenly done before) examine their words. Don’t let your pride speak foolishly.