From the archives of Oral Roberts – Second of three parts
Next, to be victorious in the battles of life, choose the right weapons. On that fateful night in the Garden of Gethsemane when Judas led the mob to take Christ, Simon Peter whipped out his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant. Jesus rebuked Peter and told him to put away his sword. Then He healed the servant’s ear (Matthew 26:50–52; Luke 22:49–51). Jesus was saying, “Peter, a sword is not the right weapon. If you live by force, some day someone’s greater force will destroy you.”
Using physical violence or physical retaliation is not the right weapon. Some people double up their fists to do battle; others fight with their tongues, which can wither an individual. But Jesus said, “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 NKJV). According to God’s Word, even if we are not at fault, we are to go to the person battling us and be reconciled.
The weapons you choose to use should be among the nine gifts of the Spirit that Paul spoke of in 1 Corinthians 12. These gifts are the characteristics and actions of Jesus. They include the gift of the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, the gift of faith, the gift of healing, the working of miracles, the gift of prophecy, the discerning of spirits, the gift of tongues ― and you have access to them in a Spirit-filled life. They can be a balm for your life when satan is using people to attack you on all sides!
