Finding Allies in the Faith

We Christians know that we will have spiritual battles in this life. We face them daily.

Some days we feel defeated.

Some days we feel victorious.

But every day we must wake up, put on our armor, and “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12).

We fight our flesh.

We fight temptation.

We fight the enemy and his schemes.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the spiritual force of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12

We don’t fight flesh and blood. We don’t fight friends and family or even our enemies. At least that’s what the Bible says. So, why does it feel like we do? Our actions fall short; our words cut deep; our motives reveal selfishness. Human nature, am I right?

“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” James 4:1

While our brother and sisters in Christ are in the battle, who’s side are we on? Are we standing by their side, or are we another opposing force? Are the words we say building them up or tearing them down? Are we encouraging them or discouraging them?

We are allies in the Faith. 

“Resist [Satan], standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:9

In his letter, Peter encourages the body of believers to strengthen their faith, knowing that their brothers and sisters are facing the same struggles. We are not alone in our fight. We have a common enemy and a shared purpose. The body of believers must stand united as one. An army of soldiers is a lot harder to take down than a lone individual.

We are to encourage one another.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

The best teams aren’t formed by ripping each other apart, but by building each other up. There is a huge difference between constructive criticism and just being mean! One is said with love to make the other person better. The other… well it’s just rude. Let your words be encouraging to your brothers and sisters. Build them up. Speak life and love.

We can share the load.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 

Have you ever been in the midst of a battle, feeling crushed on all sides, unable to even stand much less keep on fighting? Your fellow believers have felt the same. We can carry each other’s burdens. We can lift their load when they are feeling overcome. Through prayer, listening, and being a shoulder to lean on, you can make someone’s burden feel lighter. No one needs to carry the weight of the battle alone.

Take time today to pray for a brother or sister in Christ who is in the midst of the battle. How can you be their ally? What words of encouragement do they need to hear? Comment below what God has revealed to you. I'd love to here other perspectives! I pray that each of you listen and obey the prompting of the Lord.

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