In a world increasingly marked by opposition, injustice, and spiritual unrest, it can feel disheartening to walk in truth and righteousness while being met with resistance or hostility. Many of us encounter adversaries not only in our day-to-day interactions but also in more subtle spiritual forms that challenge our peace, purpose, and identity. Yet in these moments of pressure and pain, we are reminded by the living Word that justice belongs to the Lord alone, not to us.
As it is written, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19, NKJV). This truth continues to speak powerfully in the year 2025, when hostility often feels amplified and many seem emboldened in their opposition to goodness and truth. Our natural instinct may be to respond, to defend, to prove our worth, or even to retaliate. But God calls us into a higher way. He invites us into spiritual maturity, where we trust Him not only with our pain but also with the outcomes. This is not weakness but strength. It is not passivity but surrender to divine justice and wisdom.
It is also important to remember that those who rise up against us are often engaged in a war within themselves. Their actions, though sometimes cruel or unjust, often reflect deep internal conflict, brokenness, or spiritual confusion. As believers, we are called to understand that our adversaries may themselves be casualties of a larger battle. They are not always aware of the forces influencing their words, behaviors, or attitudes. As Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV) reminds us, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Our fight is not against the person in front of us, but against the darkness that distorts and manipulates from behind the scenes. While we must be firm and clear in truth, we must also show compassion and restraint, knowing that we are called to be examples of light and love. We are not to become what we are resisting.
The Apostle Paul continues in Ephesians 6:13–17 (NKJV) to urge us to put on the whole armor of God. “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness… above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” God has given us the tools not only to defend our peace but to remain upright, even when provoked. Every challenge becomes an opportunity to grow in strength and clarity. We are not helpless, and we are not alone. The Holy Spirit guides us in wisdom, and the Word of God becomes both our comfort and our weapon.
So how do we remain hopeful and anchored in such a time as this? First, by remembering that God sees all and is not mocked (Galatians 6:7). Second, by understanding that every confrontation or hardship is a refining moment for us. As Romans 5:3–4 (NKJV) teaches, “Tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” And third, by meditating on the promises of God so that our minds and hearts stay guarded. When we feed our spirit, we strengthen our resolve to stay kind, stay steady, and stay faithful.
Here are several Scriptures that can be memorized and spoken in moments of difficulty:
Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV): “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn.”
Psalm 27:1 (NKJV): “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV): “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
As times become more complex and challenges arise from unexpected places, let us remain rooted in truth, clothed in righteousness, and uplifted by the Spirit. Our peace is not dependent on the approval of others but on the presence of God within us. We are here not just to survive but to be salt and light, to reflect the Kingdom of Heaven through our words, actions, and responses.
May you be strengthened today to walk with grace even in adversity. May you rise above conflict, not with pride but with purpose. And may you continue to grow in wisdom, faith, and love as you walk boldly in the truth of the Most High.
THE CS COLUMN 