Living on Mission – Gentleness in Battle

Living on Mission – Gentleness in Battle

Gentleness. Battle. Those are a couple of words you don’t often hear together. How can you be engaged in a battle and remain gentle? The key is to remember who the enemy really is. (Hint: It’s not any of the people around you!)

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:10-12)

Ok – those verses cover the battle part, but what about the gentleness?

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.” (Ephesians 6:18-20)

Praying for others is the key to gentleness in the manner of Jesus.

It is clear from these verses that Paul understood that the people who imprisoned him were not his enemies. He continued “speaking boldly” for Jesus – witnessing the love of God and the Good News to everyone around him. That’s gentleness in action.

Fight the real enemy and gently love people.

Let’s practice Living on Mission and practice gentleness with people as we battle with the real enemy.

Pastor Angela