What should our response be when we come under fire spiritually? The Bible is clear, we are simply to ‘Stand Firm’. For many of us the reaction is to retaliate. But the Bible teaches us that retaliation is not what God wants. Jesus who was so tempted did not retaliate, he simply used the word of God to stand firm on its truth and authority.
Why is simply standing firm so effective? Partly because is shows God’s authority at work in out lives to others, and also because it shows that we ourselves mean no harm to our oppressors. We want them to reflect on their actions, to see the need for repentance and to make that change of heart only possible through God himself.
I have been under attack myself during the last year. I can testify to God’s amazing protection and his power to enable me to forgive my oppressors. In no way do I say this to boast but to encourage us all not to fear but to know that God will not allow us to be harmed if our foundations are securely rooted in him.
However, we are not to condone evil. This is another reason to ‘Stand Firm’ – to demonstrate that condoning is not acceptable and that oppressors have to be prepared to change if they are to be reconciled to God.
‘Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace’. Ephesians 6: 14-15
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