The Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. When we go forth in His name we should do so with this in mind. We need not attack or destroy those who reject us and our Lord Jesus, but simply bring His message to those who will receive us.
51When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem; 52and He sent messengers on ahead of Him, and they went and entered a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. 53But they did not receive Him, because He was traveling toward Jerusalem. 54When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 55But He turned and rebuked them, [and said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; 56for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.”] And they went on to another village.
This does not mean that we don’t fight back if attacked to defend ourselves. If those who consider us enemies attack, we should always seek the Lord’s protection and help. However, this scripture does not say we can not defend ourselves or should not defend ourselves. It says we need not attack others for disagreeing with us.
I believe we are called to fight in the name of Christ in many situations… not all of which are “military” in nature. We should fight back against normalizing abortion, which is simply the murder of innocent life for selfish reasons. We should fight back against those pushing immoral beliefs such as homosexuality and transgender issues that will lead many into sin and turn away from God. We should fight back against a culture that continues to push God out of government, schools, and every part of public life that they can. We should, however, remember that we are really fighting Satan. He is the real enemy. To defeat Him, we need prayer and the power of our Lord. Let us never forget that we fight spiritual battles.
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Read more on spiritual warfare or learning to pray effectively.
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