Love Your Enemy – Godliness in a Tainted WorldIhe Atụ

Day 1 – The Struggle God has called us to live holy lives, lives without blame in a tainted world. But what do you do when you’ve been slandered or spitefully used or even cursed? The enemy has attacked and you’re grappling with maintaining a semblance of Christianity in the face of it. It could be a coworker, a neighbor, your ex-wife or husband… even a spouse or friend that has turned against you, stirring a mixture of painful emotions that make you want to lash out instead of love. Loving that person-turned-enemy is the farthest thing from your current physical or mental state. Don’t be shocked at the attack. Or, as the Bible puts it, “don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12 NLT) Although you may not be fighting a physical battle with swords and spears, if you profess to be a Christian, you are by default locked into a spiritual battle with the devil – the real enemy of your soul. He is the one who is actively seeking to devour your faith and discredit your witness. None of us are immune to his tactics to turn situations and people into enemies against us. Your enemy is not the person standing before you. Your struggle is not with flesh and blood, but rather with dark spiritual forces that capitalize on your trigger points and the frailties of your humanity while working through other frail humans to accomplish their dirty work. This battle is not a war to be won in the physical, but one that will be fought and won in the spiritual realm with heavenly tactics. With God’s help, you can turn this enemy attack into an opportunity for His love and mercy. Scripture Declaration: “On the very day I call to You for help, my enemies will retreat. This I know: God is on my side.” (Psalm 56:9 NLT)