Time and time again, we as people try to figure out who is for us and who is against us, not truly understanding that people are not our problem. Our real problem is the carnal mindset we have and the devil. We constantly go back and forth in our minds, keeping count of the wrongdoings, mistakes, and shortcomings of others, not realizing that this is one of the tricks of the devil and his demons—to self-sabotage our relationships with people.
"For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." — Romans 8:6
You may ask, "What do I mean?"
First, when you realize who your real enemy is, you will govern yourself accordingly. The reason I say this is because the enemy will always try to make you think people are the problem. This is never the case.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." — Ephesians 6:12
Paul makes it clear that our battle is not against people. While people may hurt us, offend us, or disappoint us, they are not the source of the spiritual battle. The enemy desires to use circumstances and people to draw us away from God's love and truth.
First, understand that offenses come to contaminate the hearts of believers so that we do not properly deal with the offense under the leading of the Holy Spirit. Instead of responding in love, grace, and wisdom, we often respond out of hurt, anger, pride, or our flesh. This is exactly what the enemy wants because a contaminated heart can lead to broken relationships, division, and unforgiveness.
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." — Proverbs 4:23
"Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled." — Hebrews 12:15
Remember, the same people the devil may use against you today, the Lord can turn around and use to bless you tomorrow. Also, remember that when the enemy is using someone against you, ask yourself this question: If the enemy is attacking me through them, how is he attacking them?
There is never just one attack happening at a time. The devil is always trying to shoot one bullet to hit many targets. While he may be attacking you through another person, he is also attacking that person in some way. His goal is always to bring destruction, confusion, division, and separation.
"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy..." — John 10:10
Many times, the enemy is trying to destroy fellowship among believers. He is trying to create strife, envy, jealousy, division, and offense in the midst of us. As believers, we should do our best to remain in fellowship with one another.
"Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." — Ephesians 4:3
When I say fellowship, I mean that our hearts should remain pure toward our brothers and sisters in Christ. All believers should forgive because forgiveness keeps our hearts free from bitterness and allows us to walk in unity with one another.
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." — Ephesians 4:32
"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." — Matthew 6:14
In reality, this can be difficult to do because the devil has an ally that wakes up with us every day—our flesh. As believers, we are constantly striving to walk according to God's Word. There will be many times when we think our brother or sister is our enemy. However, the Word of God stands as a reminder and a heart changer, helping believers refocus their attention on the real enemy—the devil.
"Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." — Galatians 5:16
"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice." — Ephesians 4:31
The enemy wants believers divided, offended, and isolated. God wants believers united, forgiving, and walking in love.
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." — John 13:35
The next time someone offends you, before you conclude that they are your enemy, remember what God's Word says. Pray for them. Ask God to show you what may be happening behind the scenes. Guard your heart from offense. Walk in forgiveness. Refuse to allow the enemy to use another person's weakness to produce bitterness in your life.
People are not your enemy.
The devil is your enemy.
Your flesh is an enemy that must be crucified daily.
But through Christ, believers have been given victory over both.
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." — James 4:7
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." — Romans 8:37
May we always remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of darkness. Therefore, let us walk in love, forgiveness, grace, and unity, bringing glory to God and refusing to allow the enemy to divide what Christ died to unite.
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