Our Battle

June 10

Read: Eph 6:10-20

Our Battle

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (v. 12)

As God’s people, other humans are NOT our enemies. “We do not battle against flesh and blood…” Satan wants us to be divided amongst each other. The Devil wants humans fighting against other humans - image bearers against other image bearers - instead of battling against him! The enemy has one goal: destruction! (cf. John 10:10) There is very little room for us to hate others… and by “little room” I mean no room at all. How can Jesus say things like: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” - and we still think we have permission to hate others?

What this does NOT mean is that we pretend everything is ok when it is not. We do not celebrate or condone sin. We speak truth in love. We live differently in the midst of those who have not been brought from death to life. We call out the deception of the Devil… and welcome others into the “marvelous light” of Christ. Sometimes this is the most loving thing.We do NOT propagate actions that bring death and destruction. Why would we think otherwise? How can it be “loving” to watch someone “eat and drink” death!?!

This is what has become hard in this day and age. Any correction…any rebuke… any declaration of “right and wrong” is met with disdain. This is the outworking of Satan’s deception. He has done a fine job at making people think correction is “unloving” and to disagree with someone is the same as committing violence against them! We have lost sight of Prov. 27:6- “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” We will never be able to approach anyone - or offer truth in love - if we are convinced they are our enemy. If we have hatred in our hearts towards them, there is no space for “loving correction” or sharing of the truth. The “good news” of Christ does not run hand in hand with hatred. “From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?” (James 3:10,11)

There are definitely people who push my buttons. There are definitely people I want to punch sometimes! Just being honest. But in those moments, I am reminded by Christ that they are not my true enemies. They are people who are sick with sin… taken hostage by the enemy… who love the dark and hate the light. This is not to absolve anyone of “responsibility” - but rather to recognize that we - as children of God - have been given the bigger picture. Who is it that you “hate”? Who is it that you rail against? Have you lost sight of the real enemy? Maybe you are actually the one who has been taken hostage! Hostage to your hatred and unforgiveness. Know your enemy. Love the Lord - and battle not against flesh and blood. Love you guys. - JDP