Enemies: Your Unavoidable Spiritual Battle
Posted on 19. Jan, 2011 by Angie Wyatt in Blog
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In the first few moments of New Year’s Day, a congregation of Egyptian Coptic Christians suffered a horrific bombing that killed 21 and wounded several more. It happened in a peaceful moment during a worship service. This radical act of violence was perpetrated by their enemies and backed by Al-Qaeda. Now, these Christians live in fear of the next attack. And so it is for millions of believers around the world who regularly suffer religious persecution.
We Westerners are among the privileged few. We will unlikely suffer death, torture or rape for our faith. However, we are likely to encounter forms of religious discrimination. We might be mocked in school for believing in Deity. We might be ousted among colleagues for our values and principles. And, if we share stories about our personal experiences with God, we are judged as lunatics. In fact, if you have never suffered religious discrimination, it might suggest that your world is too small. You perhaps have guarded your beliefs by surrounding yourself with those who will not judge and criticize. My friends, if you stand for faith, you will make enemies – it is unavoidable.
How we respond to our enemies is essential to our Spiritual Wellness. We cannot avoid the battle; we must face it head on . . . but how? If we’re fortunate to be permitted free speech, then we can demonstrate against our government and blog about our beliefs. These are peaceful responses that carry merit, but they are not the most powerful spiritual responses. To face the spiritual battle head-on, we must love our enemies and pray for them.
What we communicate through our actions is a more powerful blow than any intellectual argument. It’s a right hook to the jaw – not to the person, but to the spiritual forces that incite violence, hatred and judgment. A loving attitude and actions reveal how God’s power exceeds the power of evil. It requires more energy to exercise self-control and patience than it does to lash out. In our silent acts of generosity, goodness and gratitude, we reveal (rather than tell) how God’s influence has changed us from within.
Our love, however, is incomplete without prayer. It’s not enough to be kind to our enemies, while ignoring the issues at hand. We must pray for our enemies. We must ask God to impact their lives with the same Love that has transformed ours. We must ask for them to be touched by inner peace, humility and tolerance. When we pray, we are tapping into the supernatural realm. We are facing our enemies head on – not with fear tactics, but with love.
For more, see my video “Facing Religious Discrimination” HERE.
Are you praying for your enemies?
5 Responses to “Enemies: Your Unavoidable Spiritual Battle”
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Al
20. Jan, 2011
Angie,
Well said…its very good blog article.
The only thing that I might take issue with is this one statement: “When we pray, we are tapping into the supernatural realm.”
I do think I understand that meaning, however, I would clarify what is meant with “supernatural realm” for the reasons of God’s Holy spirit. As in divine trinity and or as with divine intervention in prayers or its divine circumstances with the Holy spirit.
Stating that, I have noticed many of the younger generation and or its celebrity glamor get caught up into that “supernatural realm” and even in spiritual wellness groups. In its case of being fascinated, guided or tempting higher spirits and or spiritual mediums as spirit guides…Some, even thought it was funny to tempt them.
I do believe the Holy trinity is designed with the Holy spirit and or by divine intervention of Angels or etc…In fact, here is a an interesting question that a lot of people are extremely fascinated or caught up with regarding a celebrity Vegas headliner in the “supernatural realm”
Celebrity Criss Angel. Is he a magician, talented as in God gifted or tapping into an unknown supernatural realm?
In any event, you a very good blog article and thank you for sharing your blog.
Angie Benham
20. Jan, 2011
Angie, thanks for this reminder that the Christian’s response is (or should be) radically different from the natural reactions human beings first feel when faced with hostility. When Jesus says He is the Way, He includes the way of love.
Jan-Michael
22. Jan, 2011
How right you are, Angie, as you wrote
“What we communicate through our actions is a more powerful blow than any intellectual argument.”
I believe that in the heat of emotion expressed negatively by someone, they mostly would hear only what they would want to hear, not what we might actually be trying to say. Arguing or trying to hold a discussion amid criticism is fruitless compared to showing a kind heart. Now ‘that’ action (calm non-condescending genuine Love) in itself speaks volumes.
Best to demonstrate that truely Christian spirit of Love and ask in prayer to God, as you wrote ” for them to be touched by inner peace, humility and tolerance”.
Thanks for your wise advice, Angie.
With Love
J-M
Al
22. Jan, 2011
Well I’m going to argue..lol
Sometimes people over-look a few other things in the context of this blog. And as a christian is to be christian like, to forgive and to turn the other cheek, as the bible teaches.
But, I also think Christians are perplexed on a few other things in those interpretations…perhaps, one of which, is to fight for ourselves. And, usually, standing up for principals, or mis-justice, tends to loose friends, money opportunity’s, popularity and other things. But, I do believe, in fighting for oneself…and others. (in a christian way)
Turning the cheek…for some is always hard. But, to know the difference in going to far or in good taste. Forgiveness is always among the end debate of its issues and or its hostility. Jesus teaches to love one another, but does that mean we don’t stand up for ourselves, others or principals?
I always get bothered by people not standing up or fighting for themselves…and there is more to that, regarding people that just give up…that’s not right either. Is debating and testing people going to far…
Do I lose respect or christian love if I fall…who will help forgive and fight for me, if called upon? There are some exceptions? How about war?
its very hard on some of these issues…
Jan-Michael
25. Jan, 2011
Angie, I would like to share the story of a related matter that has happened at our local Church, involving our meeting up with many non-Christians a few months ago.
My local Community Alliance Church has been helping new Canadians get settled here, from Peru, Europe, Mexico China and Pesia (Iranians who refer to themseles ‘Persian’ as that, they feel is their roots and true identity).
These persons had arrived in Ontario, Canada and awaited acceptance as refugees for various reasons.
They were not all Christians and regarded us with some suspicion initially. But, we helped them after their processing through Gov’t approval, to move out of the motels they were housed in and they began to move from using our foodbank, to helping set it up every Friday.
We added to Gov’t assistance by showing them more of Toronto and shops, schools etc than the Gov’t services are set -up for. We eventually were asked by many to bring them to our Church services.
From October through Christmas we ran the Alpha Course which includes a potluck dinner weekly, a Video on Christian beliefs and practice, (as seen by millions of Americans and Canadians but was initiated by Nick Gumble in UK). Small group discussion and a group clean-up of the church hall, also a good way to work and chat together followed the evenings events.
After it all, 110 persons asked to be baptised and became Christians! We all had put aside any suspicians or differences and learned more about eachother and it has been a wonderful experience. As new refugees continue and are a fact which will continue, we will continue to offer ourselves in Christian Love and these new Canadians will find a welcome, regardless whether they be agnostics, atheists, Christian or another Faith.
We believe this to have enriched us all.
Love to all
Jan-Michael