There’s a guy who gets on my nerves. He comes around at the worst times, stays too long and drops negative comments. I’ve thought about punching him in the mouth, but I’m confident it wouldn’t do any good. I’ve considered serving him a no-trespass notice, but he would ignore it. I’ve even tried being nice, but it only worked for a little while. Ultimately, I was reminded of the solution in scripture.

The answer isn’t showing patience, kindness or love  and the person I’m talking about is me, or I should say, a part of me. I call him “Critical Chris”. He always seems to have an opinion and here’s what the Bible says to do with him. 

Paul wrote in Romans 6:11 “…reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The word “reckon” means to “account, consider and act on the principle of what is true”. I’m learning each day that I must meet him (Critical Chris) at the door and declare this truth: 

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” -Galatians 2:20 

My worst enemy is often myself, but thankfully there’s victory and freedom in Christ. Perhaps you’re like me and know someone similar. Maybe their name doesn’t start with “Critical…” but something like “Selfish…”, “Prideful…” or “Gossipy…” and you’re tired of them. If so, it’s time to quit playing nice. I encourage you to prayerfully claim Galatians 2:20, grit your teeth, and let him/her know they’re not welcome anymore. Chances are; someone around you will be glad to see them go too!