Spiritual Warfare
Some people fight with their fists. Others fight with knives and guns. Still others fight with their words of violence and bullying. They are all trying to physically or emotionally control other people to try to get their way. As Christians, we are not to use those weapons against those people and things that would harm us. God has special weapons for us that are much more effective in accomplishing His will.
The Bible is very clear about this type of warfare. (II Corinthians 10:3-5) Though we walk or live in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal or of this world, but our weapons are mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. This concept might seem very unusual, but it is God's way for us.
In Ephesians 6:12 we learn that we are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of wickedness. Even when we have a problem with another person, it is Satan and his forces that are causing the problem in some way. Therefore, we are to use the Lord's weapons to counteract what Satan is doing and solve the problem with the other person without harming them. God's weapons are prayer, the Word of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit. When we use those weapons, it is possible for the other person to change and to even be our friend.
Then, we need God's weapons to change us, so we will not cause conflict with others. Sometimes, Satan has built a stronghold in our life that needs to be torn down. This could be anger, greed, jealousy, or such. When we pray and know God's Word, the Spirit can change us, so we do the right things. Also, we can see the truth in false arguments, and begin to believe the right things. Finally, we can take every thought captive, so that we do not act compulsively, but we act in obedience to Christ. All of these things make a huge difference in our lives.
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Tomorrow, I intend to read II Corinthians 13 and Galatians 1-2.