We can protect ourselves by keeping good association with devotees who are always encouraging us, and, by willingly overlooking the minor offenses that are committed by others in the process of engaging in devotional service; we have to expect that these things will happen from time to time. If they cause us to become too withdrawn and fearful of putting ourselves in a situation where such feelings could arise, then it is a good impetus for us to pray very deeply to Krishna to help us to overcome this shortcoming within ourselves. Praying like this is a very important part of our practice of Krishna consciousness, and it will give us strength.
Lectures from a disciple 3, Pg 362, 2nd Paragraph