Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)
The Armor Belongs to God
Some people are hard to love.
Paul tells the Ephesians to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” and to “put on the full armor of God.” The strength is God’s, and so is the armor. A verse later he writes that the struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil.
That changes how you stand. Whoever’s been hardest to love lately isn’t the enemy Paul means. You stand your ground in God’s strength, and you keep loving the person in front of you.
A Prayer to Remember
Lord, give me your strength today, and help me remember that my fight isn’t against the people who are hard for me to love. Help me stand, and help me love them.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
