One area of Christian living that has received little to no attention (outside of the book of Proverbs) is that of how to receive and give criticism. With the exception of a few chapters written here or there, there is a surprising absence of material on this important subject. A few years ago Dr. Joel Beeke gave a lecture on how ministers ought to approach criticism. Every pastor would benefit from listening to this lecture. I have been immensely helped by Beeke’s thoughts, and sense my own need to repeatedly listen to the wisdom in it. You can find that lecture here. The other helpful work that I would recommend is Alfred Poirer’s, The Cross and Criticism. Poirer does an excellent job of placing criticism in light of the Gospel. Despite the lack of substantive, biblical material on this subject, I’m sure that you will find these two works to be welcomed resources.
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve. (Romans 16:17-18)