Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
As a fellowship we have been studying Paul’s call to war and its implications of how we live the Christian life. Often in many different circles the warfare is something happening in an unknown realm, up in the sky. But when we read through the bible, we see that this warfare is a battle that effects every dimension of our existence. Yet in the midst of this Paul calls us to be strong. From Chapter 5 of Ephesians, we see Pauls exhortation of how we should conduct ourselves in family relations, husbands and wife’s, continuing in Chapter 6 with children obeying and honouring parents and bond servants obeying their earthly masters. It is at this point of scripture that Paul says finally. Finally, after all that he has spoken beforehand we should be strong. From my own personal experience most, warfare can be seen and played out in our relationship with others and how we respond and how we are able to stand in the day of conflict. How we can respond in love despite the feelings of hurt and offence and how we can stand strong in the gospel of Christ in the midst of mistreatment, judgement and disagreement. When we look at the potential ongoing friction, we encounter in our daily relationships and we examine our responses in light of the love Christ expects for us to have for each other, which we can see in 1 Corinthians 13, we see that we need the strength of the Holy Spirit to stand in love, to suffer long and still minister in love, we need the Grace of God to stand to keep our families and communities whole.
Lord we pray for the grace to stand in love. That in the midst of relational storms we will not respond or act out of our flesh, but we will respond out of our love ad communion with you. I pray that when we fall and treat others in ways that is lacking love that you will make us quick to say sorry and quick to make amends. Soften our hearts Lord and have your way in our heart’s minds, souls and spirits that we will be able to stand in Jesus Name Amen.
Much Love in Christ,
Your Sister,
Ruth
Pursuing Holiness
Biblical Counsellor | Spiritual Director | Leadership Coach