The Battle Over Relationships: Spiritual Warfare In Modern Times For Messianic Believers
Introduction: Relationships as a Battlefield
In the world we live in today, relationships are often under intense spiritual attack. The enemy seeks to sow division, bitterness, and conflict in every area of our lives—our marriages, families, friendships, and communities. As Messianic Jewish believers, we must recognize that the battle for our relationships is not just a matter of human conflict or misunderstanding but a spiritual war where God's truth, His peace, and His love are at stake.
Throughout the Scriptures, we are taught that God created humanity for relationship—with Him and with each other. The Torah provides clear guidelines for healthy, godly relationships, while Yeshua’s blood offers reconciliation and restoration when relationships have been broken. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out God’s command to love and forgive, helping us to overcome the obstacles the enemy places in our way. In this chapter, we will explore the spiritual battle over relationships and how Messianic believers can walk in victory by aligning their lives with God's will, applying His Word, and relying on the strength of His Spirit.
Spiritual Warfare In Modern Times For Believers In Yeshua
1. The Foundation of Godly Relationships
At the heart of all relationships is the desire to reflect God’s character. The Torah teaches us the essential principles of love, honor, and respect, which are foundational to every relationship. God Himself is relational—He desires a personal relationship with His people. This truth is established in Genesis 1:26-27, where God, in creating humanity, declares that mankind is made in His image:
> "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." (Genesis 1:26-27)
This divine image reflects the essence of relationality. As image-bearers of God, we are called to live in relationship with one another, reflecting His love, peace, and holiness. Relationships are not just a social construct; they are part of God's design for human life.
In Leviticus 19:18, God commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves, which lays the foundation for all of our relationships:
> "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 19:18)
This command is central to how we are to live in relation to others. Love is the bedrock upon which all healthy relationships are built. When we love as God commands, we become vessels of His grace and peace, and the enemy's attempts to sow discord and division are thwarted.
2. The Enemy’s Strategy: Division and Strife
The enemy seeks to destroy relationships because he knows that relationships are powerful. When believers are united in love and purpose, they become a force for good, advancing God’s kingdom. In contrast, when relationships are broken, it weakens the body of Messiah and causes confusion and chaos. Satan’s primary strategy is to introduce division, strife, and unforgiveness into our relationships.
In Proverbs 6:16-19, we see a list of things that God hates, and among them are those that cause discord between people:
> "These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren." (Proverbs 6:16-19)
Discord is one of the enemy's most effective tools in tearing apart relationships. He plants seeds of bitterness, anger, jealousy, and unforgiveness, hoping that they will grow into full-blown division. The battle over relationships is fought in our hearts and minds, where these seeds can either take root or be cast out.
In James 3:16, it says, “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” The spirit of strife leads to confusion and opens the door to further spiritual attacks. This is why it is crucial to be vigilant and discerning when it comes to relationships, both within the family of faith and with the world.
3. Yeshua’s Blood: Reconciliation and Restoration
One of the most powerful aspects of Yeshua’s sacrifice is the reconciliation He brings to broken relationships. Through His blood, Yeshua has made peace between us and God, and between us and one another. His death on the cross destroyed the wall of hostility that existed because of sin. In Ephesians 2:14, it says:
> "For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation." (Ephesians 2:14)
While this verse is not from Paul's writings, the concept of reconciliation is deeply rooted in the Tanakh, where God desires to heal and restore relationships. In Isaiah 53:5, we see that through the suffering of the Messiah, healing and peace are made available:
> "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)
This healing is not just for our relationship with God, but also for our relationships with others. Through Yeshua’s blood, we are enabled to forgive those who have wronged us, even as He forgives us. The blood of Yeshua empowers us to break the cycle of division and bring healing to broken relationships.
In Psalm 133:1, we are reminded of the beauty of unity:
> "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1)
Unity is the result of reconciliation, and the blood of Yeshua makes this unity possible. When we accept the power of His forgiveness and reconciliation, we are able to extend that same forgiveness to others.
4. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Relationships
The Holy Spirit is our helper, guiding and empowering us to live out God’s will in our relationships. He produces the fruit of the Spirit within us, and this fruit is essential for maintaining healthy, godly relationships. In Galatians 5:22-23, we are told that the fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. While this passage comes from Paul's letters, the principles of the Holy Spirit's fruit align with Torah principles, which are foundational to maintaining peace and harmony in our relationships.
In Zechariah 4:6, the prophet speaks of the power of God’s Spirit:
> "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)
The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome our natural tendencies toward anger, bitterness, and pride. He teaches us to forgive, to be humble, and to speak the truth in love. When we yield to the Spirit’s work, He strengthens us to live in peace with others, even when relationships are tested.
5. Practical Steps to Overcoming the Battle Over Relationships
In spiritual warfare, we must actively choose to walk in God’s ways, especially in our relationships. Here are practical steps to overcome the enemy’s attacks on our relationships:
1. Forgive – Forgiveness is the key to breaking the power of division. Matthew 6:14-15 reminds us that if we do not forgive others, our Heavenly Father will not forgive us. Forgiveness restores relationships and allows us to reflect God’s love and mercy.
2. Pray for Reconciliation – Prayer is a powerful tool in spiritual warfare. Pray for the healing of broken relationships and ask God to help you and others see His truth and love. In Jeremiah 33:3, God promises to answer when we call to Him:
> "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3)
3. Seek Wisdom – Sometimes, reconciliation requires wisdom in how to approach difficult conversations. The Holy Spirit gives us wisdom and guidance in navigating relationships. Ask God for discernment to handle each situation in a way that brings honor to His name.
4. Speak the Truth in Love – Ephesians 4:15 reminds us that we are to speak the truth in love. We must be truthful but also compassionate and patient in our relationships. By doing so, we promote peace and unity.
5. Stay Humble – Humility is essential in overcoming relational conflict. In Proverbs 15:33, we learn that wisdom begins with humility:
> "The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility." (Proverbs 15:33)
Conclusion: Victory in the Battle Over Relationships
The battle over relationships is fierce, but it is not one that we must fight alone. God has given us the Torah to guide us, the blood of Yeshua to reconcile us, and the Holy Spirit to empower us. By aligning our hearts with His will and walking in His truth, we can overcome the enemy’s attempts to divide us and bring healing to our relationships.
