Other People Aren't the Problem

"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

We so often get frustrated with other people.  (and by "we", I mean me) How often does another person ruin part or all of your day by something they said or did? 

But, maybe other people aren't the problem.  They aren't the enemy to our peace and joy. 

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 The problem is how Satan uses other people to annoy, aggrevate, and anger us into acting in a way which is against God's nature.  He will use their personalities, actions, and habits to trick us into an attitude which is not loving or caring - but selfish.  Or even mean or spriteful.  And we often excuse it all away by thinking "well, they deserve it".

Once the enemy gets this ball rolling - it can quickly become one big snowball.  Flying along, gathering more and more into its trap. 

For, once he manages to annoy and anger us with someone's behaviors or words - then we often pass those emotions on to others. We take those feelings and allow them to cause us to lash out. Be cruel. Speak words which are not encouraging or uplifting.  To sin in how we speak and act towards others.

When we feel someone starting to get on our nerves and make our blood boil - is it possible to take a moment and remember that they are also only human.  To realize that this other person is not the problem.  The problem is the enemy - as he goes about trying to break apart human connections and destroy the pathways of human kindness.  And to recognize we have a choice to make:  We can forgive - and respond in kindness, gentleness, and self-control.  Or we can allow ourselves to be used as just another tool the darkness uses to continue the hurt.

Which do you want to be: someone who spreads darkness and hate - or love and light?

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