We Wrestle Not Against Flesh and Blood

Relationship issues are our instructors.  They are power struggles coming from the spirits of envy or jealousy which have found entrance into our hearts because of a wound around significance, security/safety, or support which was triggered by shame (loss of self-esteem, self-love).   

This can manifest in so many ways.  People can have same level of wounding, and its manifestation in behavior will be different.  Some turn anger inward and become passive aggressive and some turn anger outward and become aggressively controlling.  

Each way of dealing with the hurt is "a house divided against itself."   Passive aggressive controls much by doing very little.  Outwardly aggressive people tend to be "it's my way or the high way."  Having their way becomes a matter of right or wrong, black or white, righteous or unrighteous.  Opinions become causes and creates confusion over the real issues...the lie that is driving the rebellion. 

If we look at relationship issues as a visual aid of internal spiritual issues and where we need redemption, we will stop pointing the finger.  Do we want to be right or do we want to be righteous.

There is a story of Mother Teresa and the sisters of Calcutta that Mother Teresa never tried to convert a Muslim or a Hindu to Catholicism.  She told the sisters that their job was not to talk about Jesus or even promote Jesus, but to be Jesus.  This is the person who wants to be righteous more than right.  It is a good lesson for all of us.  Remember the saying: I would rather see a sermon any day than hear one.

 

The spirit of envy wants to take what someone else has.  It is more malicious than jealousy.  It can draw you to the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil because you fear you do not have something someone else has (the throne of God, to be as gods, to be as good, to be better than, or even an alternative kingdom--doing it my way).

We wrestle not against flesh and blood.  This is important to remember.  These issues are about principalities and powers.  The kingdom at stake is our heart. 

Ephesians 1:17-19:  I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.   I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints and what is the immeasurable greatness of the power to us who believe according to the working of His vast strength.

Lord Jesus, come into the kingdom of our hearts and create redemption...step by step setting us free every time we have a relationship issue.  Help us to hear your voice telling us what the real heart issue is.  Thank you!