When we hear the phrase “spiritual warfare” we usually think of aggressive battles with the devil. However, some of our GREATEST weapons against the enemy are actually quite subtle.

    A few years ago, Joyce Meyer heard a lot of teaching on spiritual warfare. She kept herself busy fighting the devil through rebuking, binding, and fasting. This led her to spiritual burnout. Then the Word of God opened up for her a new way of viewing this battle. She looked carefully at Jesus and sought to imitate Him.

    Joyce noticed how much Jesus emphasized LOVE. She read in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) how Jesus constantly loved others, going about doing good. When His Spirit lives in us, we have that same capacity for unconditional love: to treat even our enemies with kindness and to forgive others over and over. 1 Peter 4 says: ’Above everything else be sure that you have real deep love for each other, remembering how love can cover a multitude of sins.’ Love can actually rob the devil of his victory in the lives of those with whom we share Jesus’ love!

    There’s no question that the devil tries to rip apart our families and our churches. Answer him with a counterattack of love. Satan runs away from believers who are walking obediently with Jesus and loving others like He did. Jesus intends for us to win our battles against the devil, and one of our greatest tools to defeat him is loving others.

    May God bless you as you love others and share in the hope of Jesus’ victory in our lives. I’d love to send you a free booklet to help you in your walk with Jesus. It’s entitled “The Power of Hope.” You can receive it by calling 1 (800) 759-3300.