In preparing for a lesson on 1 Corinthians 13 I skipped across this by Charles Simeon out of a Robert Rayburn sermon:

1. To hear as little as possible what is the prejudice of others;

2. To believe nothing of the kind till I am absolutely forced to it;

3. Never to drink into the spirit of one who circulates an ill report;

4. Always to moderate, as far as I can, the unkindness which is expressed toward others;

5. Always to believe, that if the other side were heard, a very different account would be given of the matter.

This certainly would go far in building up the body of Christ if these rules were observed. If you are unfamiliar with the life and ministry of Simeon I would suggest reading John Piper’s excellent biography. You can also buy Piper’s Roots of Endurance book.