We are in a battle each and every day, whether we realize it or not, whether we actively engage in it or not.

The battle is real and the battle is occurring.

“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 6:12, NLT)

The question becomes: How will we then fight?

Will we fight angrily, attacking everyone around us? Will we cower and shrink back?

With those questions before me, nagging and tugging at my heart, the Sermon on the Mount came to mind.

“The Sermon on the Mount seems dangerous. It challenges the whole underlying conception on which modern society is built. It would replace it by a new conception, animate it with a new motive, and turn it toward a new goal.” (E. Stanley Jones)

The words of Jesus (found in Matthew 5) call us to live righteously, differently than the world and thus, to fight with a behavior that conforms to God’s will and ways. In responding to the call to live differently, we find blessing:

• “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” Realizing we are in need, poor, we find blessing in trusting God. Total reliance on Him opens avails us to all God offers.
• “God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” We grieve for those we personally lose, and feel the deep sorrow experienced by others. In exchange, we are promised the comfort only God can bring.
• “God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” We recognize that everything we have belongs to the Lord, and we possess nothing in and of ourselves.
• “God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.” We should be a people whose desire is to see others treated justly, rightly, and respectfully.
• “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Mercy, may we show kindness to those in distress, for we have been shown greater mercy by our God.
• “God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.” May we not be pure in our own eyes, but have hearts made righteous by Jesus, for then we will see more of God’s activity in our lives.
• “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called children of God.” This is not a peace that pacifies but an absence of hostility and ill will. Be gentle and kind in discussions where opinions may not match our own.
• “God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” We may be rejected by others for our beliefs and opinions. May we faithfully obey God’s Word even then.

Yes, we are in a battle everyday. The manner in which we fight back can have profound and positive effects on those around us.

Jesus calls us to fight righteously and with a compassion like His.
And therein, we find the blessing!