RESIST EVIL

Hebrews 3:12
Take care, brothers and sisters, that none of you may have an evil and unfaithful heart, so as to forsake the living God.
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In his book, “The Art of War”, Sun Tzu emphasized that “If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles. If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you know Heaven and know Earth, you may make your victory complete.” But, “if you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

In our spiritual life with God, we should realize our enemy – the Devil. Being a fallen angel, the devil wants to drag people with him out of envy and jealousy. And he succeeded when he was able to tempt Adam and Eve to disobey the Lord. However, through the passion and the death of Jesus, we have triumphed over the devil for ever. And we, Christian, thanks to fidelity in the faith, conquers evil.

Still, we have to know the works of the devil. He is around us, tempting us to commit sin. We must take the devil very seriously but we must not think that he is almighty. The Christian faith must be nourished by prayer, humility, penitence and above all, faith in the love of the Father. And that love is stronger than everything, as shown by Jesus. We must have the awareness that the mercy of God is so great that it overcomes every obstacle, and cast out evils in our lives.

Almighty Father, I beg You to destroy the power of our greatest enemy - the evil spirits. Cast them into the deepest recesses of hell and chain them there forever! Take possession of Your Kingdom which You have created and which is rightfully Yours. Help us resist his temptations, so we may forever be at Your side and with Your love.

Lord Jesus, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do you, O Prince of Peace, by the power of God cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.