There is an interesting verse that helps illustrate coming in the opposite spirit. 1 Peter 3:9 says, “No returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.”

If you have a difficult person in your life, think about how you could bless them. First we respond to them always in an opposite spirit. That will ensure that we don’t fall into judging them. Here is my ‘beware’ verse when I am around folks who have a critical spirit.

Matthew 7:1 says, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” Romans 2:1 says, “…whatever you judge another in…you who judge practice the same things.” Pause and think about that. Judging others becomes a circular sin. We sin in judging them in their sin, and the judgment comes back on us.

Romans 12:9-21 is like a Christian Magna Carta. We have rights, but we yield them for the sake of others. Verse 14 says, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”