PEOPLE ARE NOT YOUR ENEMIES

[Elaine Dervales]

You need to always remember this: you are not wrestling against flesh and blood.  The people around you, who are making your life difficult, or talking behind your back, are not your enemies.  No, many times there are unseen forces influencing them.  Many times they are acting out of hurts and wounds from the past, or insecurities from the present.  Many times they are giving way to the enemy's plan, and following the urges of carnal nature.

You are not battling flesh and blood, but principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places, and demonic forces in low places.  Rise above the battle in Christ.

Ephesians 6:12

"For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."

1 Peter 3:9

"Don't repay evil for evil.  Don't retaliate with insults, when people insult you.  Instead, pay them back with blessings.  That is what God has called you to do, and He will grant you His blessing."

Holy Spirit, Help me see people the way You do.  Show me why they are lashing out against me, or others, so that I can be an agent of healing and peacemaking.  Help me hold my tongue and treat others the way I want to be treated, even when they are unkind to me.