Ephesians 6

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood …”  Paul gives his great instruction about spiritual warfare just after he addresses human relationships: parenting, marriage, and economic/workplace relationships.  Paul implies that our primary relationships are the first place we need to “wrestle” against the darkness that seeks to harm and destroy.  Rather than using manipulation, threats, and guilt to control others, Paul teaches that we are to recognize our equality before God and treat one another with dignity and kindness (v9).

 “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith” (v16).  Spiritual warfare is not a special tool for an extraordinary moment, but our daily effort to love like Jesus loves us.