ENEMIES

You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.
~Winston Churchill

In hindsight, I may have stood up for a few too many things… creating more enemies than friends.  Motive is key:  Why am I standing? 

Pondering, I’m reminded that those who are for me are more than those who are against me./1/  I spoke-up, stood --- provoked an attack, a hurting most grievous, creating vulnerability to further onslaught.  Though mortally wounded in Spirit, the veil is removed and my eyes open to the knowledge that “someone” is most certainly, most definitely not “my friend”...at least for the moment.  As a Christian, I remember:  We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spirtual wickedness in high places./2/ 

As humans, we are merely vessels, allowing ourselves to be used for evil or good./3/  As Christians, we must forgive the broken, unclean vessel.  The harm perpetrated upon us is not so easily forgotten, as we become more in tune to the motivations around us --- which gives great insight into directing prayer more effectually and fervently./4/

When wounded, I review what I’ve said or done to precipitate such a forceful blow, as well as whether or not the hatred spewed toward me has merit.  People misinterpret, take offense and then hatred pours forth like incoming artillery, hitting heavy and hard. 

Shall I defend myself, or let Him defend me?/5/  In the face of battle, I find silence is best.  It gives our presumed enemy a chance to review his motivations.  Silence or a soft answer, in the face of attack, most often dissipates aggression and subverts hatred./6/

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Most scripture references are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

/1/ II Kings 6:13-23

/2/ Ephesians 6:12

/3/ Acts 9:15l Romans 9:21-23; II Corinthians 4:7; II Timothy 2:20-21; I Peter 3:7; Revelation 2:27

/4/ James 5:15-18

/5/ Psalms 3:1-8; Psalms 18:32-36; Psalms 84:11

/6/ Isaiah 53:1-12; Proverbs 15:1; Matthew 10:16-20
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My inspiration came from: 

ID: 1207944   (Rated: E) Quotation Inspiration: Official Contest  Use the quote to inspire your creativity. Write a Non-fiction essay and win big prizes! by Diane

 
...though I did not write a short story