By: Elizabeth Haarberg

Know Your Battle

You can listen to this devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

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. Ephesians 6:12 ESV

One of the more difficult lessons I’m learning is that PEOPLE aren’t the enemy. As a Christian the real battle is with Satan and his influence over others. This realization helps me forgive those that hurt me or ones I love. The pain that is inflicted on us is done with a power we can’t see.

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:44 ESV

It’s difficult at times for me to love my “enemy” but once love breaks through, I feel lighter and able to think about them without disdain and, typically, with compassion instead.

The lesson of loving our enemies may be easy for some, but it’s been a difficult journey for me. I continue to find that putting energy into experiencing God’s love for those I don’t like takes time and effort. The good news is God has rewarded my efforts in this area, has met me in these transformative moments as I forgive, and guides me as I begin to love in lieu of dislike.

Anyone can shift from negative to positive in the way they feel and think about another person, no matter the offense, if the Holy Spirit is guiding the journey. Surrendering the negative emotions and thoughts to God so He can create new paths of thinking are key in the turnaround.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESV

But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16 ESV

Letting God transform our minds to the mind of Christ is paramount to becoming more like what He wants us to become, which is like Himself.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado