Are They/Them our real enemies
I watched the news with increasing irritation. “They” were at it again. You know “them”, the ones who seem bent on destroying and nation and ridiculing everything we believe in.
I could feel my blood pressure rising and I began to have decidedly un-Christian thoughts. I could feel a full blown rant coming on.
Does that sound familiar? It happens to most of us at times. No matter what side of the political or religious spectrum you are on, there are always “those people” who seem to be out to undermine us.
“They” make us angry. We stop seeing “them” as people and begin to classify them into inhuman groups.
We forget that most of them are sincere in wanting the make the world a better place, even though we differ on what that looks like. We forget that God loves them too.
It’s one of the reasons we are told to put on the Armor of God.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. Ephesians 6:10-18a ESV
The enemy is a master of division. He divides us into camps which makes it easier for us to hate rather than love.
When we find ourselves with those feelings we need to remember that we are all created in God’s image and that He loves us so much He died for us, regardless of our position on issues.
We need Him to transform our hearts.
Lord teach us to Lord when it is so easy to hate. Teach us to put on the armor and live as you commanded.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed,
Kevin