With today’s almost instant news coverage of any conflict in the world, war has become more real to us than ever before. We see its physical devastation, destruction and disaster in no uncertain terms. So it’s easy to focus on the physical aspects of conflict and forget that war has spiritual implications for us, both combatant and civilian, as well.
Those in the military have to absorb the sheer brutality of what is going on around them and struggle to find God in the midst of such disaster. Their spiritual struggle is to not replace their reliance on God with only reliance on their comrades—they must remember that God provided those comrades.
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Equally, they must keep their faith strong so as not to give into hate and bitterness from all they’ve witnessed.
For civilians, it’s understandable that we might fear that what’s happening abroad will come closer to home. In those moments, we must draw near to God, and, just like our troops, not hate those who are called our enemies.
While we are called to stand for truth, we’re also called to love one another, turn the other cheek, and pray for our enemies. It’s an almost impossible line to walk, unless we acknowledge the spiritual side of these disagreements. Only God can help us navigate such a minefield.
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As the mother of a son who served, I know the spiritual side effects of war. I also know the power of God’s love to heal those wounds. But it’s only when we acknowledge God’s power flowing through us that we can find real victory.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12, NIV)
