"Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me —that is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it, for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers." (Psalm 141:5)
Many people are under the false impression that love never chastises, rebukes, corrects, or disciplines. Well, quite frankly, they are dead wrong. There is such a thing as tough love, and it is necessary sometimes, especially when dealing with someone who is especially stubborn and unruly. I myself am very thankful that I have many friends who are willing to speak out whenever I get a bad attitude or am about to do something dumb. They have helped me stay on track and develop as a person. Christians especially should be grateful when they are rebuked or metaphorically stricken (I do not think it is wise to actually strike someone in our particular culture since our society is extremely sue-happy) because it allows them an opportunity to change their ways so that they can grow closer to Christ. It is one of the ways in which "iron sharpens iron" so to speak. However, very often, rather than take constructive criticism like adults, we become defensive and angry, lashing out at the person instead of letting their words sink in so that we can evaluate whether or not their words have any merit. So before you jump all over someone for daring to criticize you, ask yourself the following questions:
1) Are they trying to help you?
2) Have they always given you good advice in the past?
3) Do they have a strong relationship with Christ? Legalistic Pharisees and Corinthians who think that anything goes don't count.
4) Is what they are saying biblical? If it's a matter of personal taste, then does it fit ordinary common sense?
If the answer is yes to those questions, then you better take it and love it, bub. After all, tough love is good love.
