"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5

How do you initially respond to discord?

This week I've had several miscommunications with someone who is very dear to my heart. 

Prior to this and through this, the Lord has kindly reminding me:

"The battle is not of flesh and blood."

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12 

In this, I am reminded of the purpose of the enemy: to deceive, to twist Truth, and to create disunity among God's people. 

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10

If God's people are at-odds with each other, we are unable to walk fully in unity together in the Spirit; it destroys our ability to walk in God's perfect will and allows the enemy to have footholds.

With this, I am also reminded of our purpose:

We are called to love Jesus and love others. 

We are called to be of one body, unified by Christ.

"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3:8-9

The truth is this: Everything is spiritual. 

Which spirit are you serving? 

Big or small—every word, action, thought, and choice either brings life or destruction.

We are either serving Jesus, or we are serving the enemy. 

We are either living for eternity, or for the world.

"For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." Romans 8:5

I pray we are able to see one another, even and especially within our misunderstandings and moments of discord, with the eyes of Jesus.

Recognizing Truth and having grace for others is only an act of the Holy Spirit within us.

This is something I'm still working on.  It hurts my feelings to be misunderstood and feel attacked.

Yet, even though that's how I feel, the Lord is gently teaching me in each of these moments:

"To hurt you was not that friend's intention."

"They also feel misunderstood and, at times, attacked."

"How they've reacted isn't them."

"The enemy aims to twist everything to form lies in perception."

Our words have weight and power.

"Out of the same mouth comes praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be." James 3:10

Communication with Jesus at the center is the only solution. 

Every time I invite Jesus into the conversation to take over, he does. 

That's when love and peace and understanding fill the conversation.  That's when things are made right. 

Lord Jesus, I pray for unity among your people.  I ask that you would give us deeper love for one another, along with a desire to seek understanding for everyone.  I need this.  Thank you for humbling me in this.  I ask, Lord, that you would continue to strip me of my pride.  Jesus, help me to regard others higher than myself so that I can serve them and love them, seeing them through Your eyes.  I will serve you, God.