Joy Stealers

Have you ever known a person who, no matter what you say or do, works tirelessly to pigeonhole you into a category based on their own limited perception of you?

Have you ever known someone who never sees the error in their own thinking, and will resort to either circular reasoning or insult hurling before admitting that they were totally off base?

Someone who repeatedly pushes your buttons to make you react, then accuses you of being a hothead?

Someone who easily ridicules others, but never faces their own inadequacies?

One-uppers? Copycats? Relentless gossips?

"Misery loves company" has become cliché for a reason.

Be weary of these joy stealers. They are everywhere, often disguised as intelligent, free-thinking folks with what they call "good intentions" (and I'm pretty sure I don't have to remind you what the road to hell is paved with, right?). Joy stealers don't want to open your eyes or free your mind. They suddenly appear in your life, always on their terms. Sometimes it's a stealth operation, but other times they leech on, sucking the life right outta you. They always use you for whatever happens to be on their agenda at that moment, and then they drop you like you're hot as they skulk back into their little safety zone.

"What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them." Galatians 4:15-17

There is only one joy stealer repellent out there that truly works:

NEVER TAKE HIM OFF.