Undoing the Enemy

I watched a video secretly recorded of some those who have been orchestrating violence at political rallies. I was taken aback by the self–justified hatred, Machiavellian arrogance, and the detailed scripting of inciting chaos for the news. I thought it was a page right out of “Rules for Radicals,” but the more I watched, the more it looked like “The Screwtape Letters.”

At first I was angry, wanting them to be held accountable for endangering lives and twisting free speech. But then I thought of how we’re to “pray for those who despitefully use us,” and I began to pity these people. Their hatred for the “other side” seemed greater than their belief in their own, and were exhausting every bit of humanity they had goading people to react to that hate.

And that’s my takeaway. I don’t know if any of them will ever face justice from the law, but they should experience grace from every person they try to damage. The enemy’s plans aren’t new. The devil wants to tempt, embitter, stress, and enrage you out of God’s love, joy, peace, and patience. He wants to distort how you see truth, justice, and grace.

So don’t let him. Stay in love. Pray for those who hate you. Bless them, and refuse to be their enemy. Be more aware of God’s presence than you are of the devil’s perversion. Determine to live, move, and have your identity in Jesus Christ. The enemy will be intimidated by your ferocious love, impoverished by your wealth of joy, and incapacitated by your unyielding peace.

The shadowy beast slowly closes the door, and snaps the padlock closed. It turns to face you, hate burning in its eyes. But its wicked grin begins to fall, as it senses no fear in you to feed on. And now it’s your turn to smile as you say, “Excellent. Now you’re trapped in here with me.”