Not Against Flesh and Blood

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” — Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

Throughout my life, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of meeting individuals who have lived within political systems I was once taught to distrust. Everything I’d heard suggested they should be hardened, distant—perhaps even adversarial.

But they weren’t. They were gentle, thoughtful, and deeply kind.

And it made me wonder: what if the real struggle isn’t with people at all? What if the forces that divide us are deeper, more hidden, less about flesh and blood, and more about the unseen powers that shape our fears?

Paul’s words in Ephesians 6:12 redirect our gaze. He reminds us that our true struggle is not against people, not against “flesh and blood”—but against spiritual forces of evil, the unseen powers that distort truth, sow division, and resist God’s love.

This is not a call to suspicion, but to discernment. We are not fighting neighbors, coworkers, or even those in authority. We are resisting the deeper forces that twist good intentions, exploit fear, and fracture community.

Christ doesn’t leave us defenseless. In verses 10–20, Paul describes the armor of God, spiritual gifts that help us stand firm.

• Truth as a belt (v.14)—to hold us together

• Righteousness as a breastplate—protecting our hearts

• Peace as shoes—so we walk gently

• Faith as a shield—deflecting despair

• Salvation as a helmet—guarding our minds

• The Word of God as a sword—not to wound, but to illuminate

This armor is not for domination—it’s for clarity, compassion, and resistance rooted in love.

Other scriptures echo this:

• Romans 12:21: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

• 2 Corinthians 10:4: “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.”

• Matthew 5:44: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

In a world quick to label and divide, Christ calls us to unity and love. When we encounter tension, injustice, or fear, we remember: the person before us is not the enemy. The real battle is deeper, and Christ has equipped us to stand.

So, we put on truth. We walk in peace. We hold fast to faith. And we pray for clarity, for courage, and for compassion.

Gracious God, you see beyond what we see. You know the battles we face—within our hearts, within our relationships, and in the world around us. Help us not to confuse people with powers. Help us to see one another with your eyes—gentle, truthful, and full of grace. 

Clothe us, together, in your armor: 

Truth to speak with honesty and love. 

Righteousness to guard our hearts from bitterness. 

Peace to guide our steps toward reconciliation. 

Faith to shield us from fear and despair. Salvation to renew our minds with hope. 

And your Word to illuminate, not to wound. 

Make us gentle in conflict, bold in love, and steadfast in hope. Teach us to stand—not against one another, but beside one another, for your kingdom. In Christ, who is our peace and our strength, we pray. Amen.

Peace & Grace,

Pastor Tim