Nobody enjoys criticism.

But when we struggle with people pleasing, criticism can feel like more than correction. Instead of hearing, “Something I did could have been better,” we hear, “I’m not good enough.” We replay the conversation. We defend ourselves. We allow one person’s opinion to affect the rest of our day. But not every criticism deserves that much power. Humility allows me to learn from what people think without being controlled by what people think. God can use correction to grow us, so we should listen with humility. But our identity and security cannot rise and fall with every compliment or criticism we receive. You can receive correction without allowing it to define you. Your worth is not determined by someone’s opinion of you. Is there someone’s criticism you have given too much power? Learn what God wants you to learn from it, and then give the rest to Him.