Practical Steps To Protect And Restore Relationships: Spiritual Warfare In Modern Times For Messianic Believers
Introduction: The Importance of Healthy Relationships
In the spiritual battle we face as Messianic Jewish believers, the enemy seeks to destroy relationships at every level—within families, marriages, and the Messianic community. Strong relationships are not only essential for our emotional and mental well-being but also play a vital role in the advancement of God’s kingdom. Satan knows that a united body of believers, built on love, peace, and trust, is a powerful force in the world. Therefore, he will try to sow seeds of discord, resentment, and unforgiveness in order to break down the very fabric of these relationships.
As followers of Yeshua, we are called to reflect His love, grace, and truth in our relationships. However, it is not enough to simply wish for healthy relationships; we must actively protect and restore them through intentional and practical steps grounded in God’s Word. This chapter will explore the practical steps believers can take to guard and restore relationships, drawing on Torah law, the blood of Yeshua, and the Holy Spirit to guide us in the process.
Spiritual Warfare In Modern Times For Believers In Yeshua
1. Recognize the Enemy’s Tactics
The first step in protecting and restoring relationships is to understand the enemy’s tactics. Satan’s primary goal is to divide and conquer. He knows that disunity within the family, marriage, or Messianic community weakens the body of Messiah and hinders our witness to the world.
In Genesis 3:1, we see the serpent’s first attack—questioning God’s Word:
> "Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, 'Has God indeed said, “You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?”'" (Genesis 3:1)
This tactic—causing doubt and division—has not changed. Satan will often plant seeds of suspicion, misunderstanding, and false accusations to create rifts in relationships. James 3:16 reminds us that where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are present:
> "For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there." (James 3:16)
Understanding that the enemy works through such tactics is crucial in protecting relationships. Once we recognize that conflict or strife may be spiritually influenced, we can approach the situation with a renewed sense of vigilance and resolve.
2. Apply Torah Law for Reconciliation
God has provided clear guidance in His Torah on how to handle relational conflicts and pursue reconciliation. The principles of justice, mercy, and humility that are embedded in Torah law form the foundation of healthy relationships.
One of the most vital Torah commandments for relationship restoration is found in Leviticus 19:17-18, which calls us to avoid harboring bitterness and to seek reconciliation:
> "You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD." (Leviticus 19:17-18)
This commandment teaches us that harboring hatred or resentment in our hearts is a sin. Instead, we are called to confront the issue directly in a spirit of love and humility. Matthew 18:15-17 (again, a universal principle rooted in Torah law) offers guidance on how to handle disputes:
> "Moreover, if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother." (Matthew 18:15)
This step is crucial in resolving relational conflicts. Instead of gossiping or holding grudges, we are instructed to speak directly to the person involved, seeking reconciliation in a spirit of humility. By following the Torah’s clear guidance, we can protect relationships from further harm and bring healing where there is strife.
3. Apply the Blood of Yeshua for Forgiveness and Healing
The blood of Yeshua is the ultimate remedy for any broken relationship. Through His sacrifice, He has provided the means for forgiveness and restoration. The power of His blood not only reconciles us to God but also enables us to forgive others and heal the wounds of relational hurt.
Matthew 5:23-24 tells us that if we have unresolved issues with others, we are to seek reconciliation before offering our gifts to God:
> "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23-24)
When we are wronged, our natural tendency may be to hold onto bitterness or withhold forgiveness. But Yeshua’s blood empowers us to forgive, as we have been forgiven. Ephesians 4:32 encourages us to forgive others in the same way that God in Messiah forgave us:
> "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Messiah forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)
The blood of Yeshua covers all sin and guilt, and it also empowers us to forgive those who have wronged us. By forgiving, we release ourselves from the bondage of resentment and open the door for healing and restoration in the relationship. Yeshua’s blood does not just heal our relationship with God but empowers us to rebuild the bridges between us and others.
4. Seek the Guidance of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is our Counselor, Comforter, and Helper in the process of protecting and restoring relationships. He empowers us to act in love, humility, and wisdom, especially in difficult relational situations. John 14:26 promises that the Holy Spirit will teach us and bring to remembrance the words of Yeshua:
> "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." (John 14:26)
When we face relational difficulties, we can seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance on how to proceed. He will help us discern the right words to say, the right actions to take, and how to approach the situation with a heart of grace and love. The Holy Spirit also convicts us when we are in the wrong and helps us to humble ourselves before others.
In Zechariah 4:6, we are reminded that it is not by our strength or might, but by the Spirit of God, that we can overcome relational struggles:
> "So he answered and said to me: 'This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts." (Zechariah 4:6)
Through the Holy Spirit’s power, we can overcome pride, selfishness, and unforgiveness, which often contribute to relational breakdowns. He gives us the ability to live in peace with others and to restore what has been broken.
5. Foster an Atmosphere of Love and Humility
To protect relationships from the enemy’s attacks, we must create an atmosphere of love, humility, and mutual respect. 1 Peter 4:8 reminds us that love covers a multitude of sins:
> "And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8)
Love is the foundation of all healthy relationships. When love is present, it softens hearts, opens doors for reconciliation, and protects against the bitterness and pride that the enemy uses to divide. Humility also plays a crucial role in restoring relationships. Proverbs 15:1 teaches us that a gentle answer turns away wrath:
> "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1)
Humility allows us to acknowledge our mistakes and seek forgiveness, creating a safe space for others to do the same. By walking in humility and love, we create an environment where relationships can thrive and be protected from the attacks of the enemy.
Conclusion: Standing Firm in Protection and Restoration
In the spiritual battle for relationships, we must take proactive steps to protect and restore the connections God has given us. By recognizing the enemy’s tactics, applying Torah law for reconciliation, embracing the power of Yeshua’s blood, seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and fostering love and humility, we can safeguard our relationships from division and heal any wounds that arise.
As Messianic Jewish believers, we are called to reflect God’s love in all our relationships. Through intentional action, prayer, and reliance on God’s Word, we can protect and restore our relationships, standing firm against the schemes of the enemy. The strength of our families, marriages, and Messianic communities is crucial to the advancement of God’s kingdom, and we must remain vigilant to keep these relationships healthy and whole.