For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Ephesians 6:12
You and I only have one enemy. One. No matter who has done what, how I feel, what’s going wrong… Satan is the enemy. He sends evil influences our way and his goal is to “steal, kill, and destroy,” (John 10:10). We must take him seriously and be aware of his tactics, “lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices,” (II Corinthians 2:11). Praise be to God, this enemy was definitely defeated when Christ rose from the grave, so victory is ours! (Colossians 2:15).
With those facts in mind, how should we proceed, day to day? Most likely, you aren’t surprised by what the Word says about our enemy; but, though our spirits are willing, our flesh is often weak! Our flesh and blood “enemies” can take various forms. Some of you have endured unthinkable hurts at the hands of people. Forgiveness may be a process that takes time, and has to be faced again and again in order for you to be free. It’s not easy, but it’s so worth it, and God’s grace is there for you. On the other hand, we sometimes treat others as enemies for far less reasons. We may criticize and slander our neighbors, co-workers, brothers and sisters in Christ, or even perceive those closest to us, in our own homes, as enemies! If we don’t guard our hearts and mouths – discontent, offense, and grudges can find a place in our lives before we even realize it’s happened! Most of us have been there and it’s like poison.
Revelation 12:10 refers to Satan as “the accuser of the brethren.” When accusing thoughts come to mind, we can instantly recognize where that comes from and deal with it! Out of the heart, the mouth speaks! We must pray again and again, Lord, give us clean hands and pure hearts. The Holy Spirit enables us to deal with each wrong thought and feeling in our hearts and minds.
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
II Corinthians 10:3-6
As we learn to reverence our Holy God, we also learn to reverence the people He sent His son to save. Let’s fight together against our one enemy and be kind to one another. Be kind to yourself. Negative thoughts and words about you are from that enemy as well as those about others. Don’t allow the lies of the enemy to take root.
So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper]; bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive. Beyond all these things put on and wrap yourselves in [unselfish] love, which is the perfect bond of unity [for everything is bound together in agreement when each one seeks the best for others].
Colossians 3:12-14 AMP
