Did you know that you have a superpower? It’s true! When someone is attacking you, you have an indestructible defense that allows you to withstand even death at the hands of your enemies and still not sin! Like any shield, it must be held up by a strong arm when in battle. That arm is love.
Just because someone else is showing you their weakness by attacking you doesn’t mean you ought to respond in kind. Consider the source and love them instead. Therein lies your deliverance – guaranteed!
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
– 1 Peter 4:8
Love never fails.
– 1 Corinthians 13:8a
The greatest example of this, of course, is Jesus Christ on the Cross.
And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.
– Luke 23:33-34
You might argue that since Jesus was perfect, of course He possessed this superpower! But that’s a wrong conclusion, one that Stephen dispelled.
Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.
And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
– Acts 7:54-60
You see, even Stephen, a “regular” guy, was able to employ his superpower at the brink of death at the hands of his enemies! For the record, God doesn’t endow us with superpowers just to show off; He empowers us to reveal Himself through us for the whole world to see. Like Stephen, we become inspirational to others when we respond to our enemies in love (Luke 6:27-36). This superpower is an incredible blessing.
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
– 1 John 4:16
Due to being a pastor, I am attacked all the time, often from those closest to me (extended family included). Usually, these attacks are the result of my standing up for the Word of God with integrity. Interestingly, rarely does anyone ever come out and reveal their true motivation. It seems the closer a person is to me and my life, so to speak, the more likely their weaknesses reveal themselves in insecurities, guilt, paranoia, and so on (on account of the Word of God acting like a mirror that convicts them). I’ve become accustomed to it, to be honest. I even expect it nowadays. As I’ve grown older and increased in wisdom, I can foresee attacks, even before the attackers can! It’s all part of this superpower, my friend. All you have to do is consider the source.
If you are a lovely lady, and the women around you at a social gathering are insecure, what do you expect (what do you know will happen)? Eventually, their insecurities will come out, and they will try to tear you down. Consider the source.
If you’re a powerful man, and the men around you at a social gathering are insecure, what do you expect (what do you know will happen)? Eventually, their insecurities will come out, and they will try to tear you down. Consider the source.
No, that’s not a typo, or me being a lazy writer. I wrote those last two paragraphs identically to show a pattern. My friend, the pattern is simple. Sin reveals our weaknesses. If you’re being attacked, consider the source. What are the weaknesses of that person? Heck, when the situation settles and you have an opportunity to talk to them about it, ask them what their motivation was.
When you’re being attacked, ask your attacker this exact question, “What’s the outcome you’re after here?” Flip the script on them, putting them on the spot, forcing them to justify their attack. Say no more and let the uncomfortable silence do its job. When they finally respond, demand Holy Scripture from them, and nothing less, in their attempt to justify their aggression. Cut them off if you must. Be uncompromising. If they can support their actions, then maybe you really are at fault and it’s just righteous indignation you’re seeing (never assume you’re perfect). However, if all you get is emotionalism and worldly arguments, then call out their attack as unfounded. For example, if you just happen to be a lovely lady or powerful man (to use the previous examples), then what grounds does anyone have to confront you when you have done them no wrong? None. They’re just jealous, it’s that simple.
If a person is weak in a certain area of their life, just do yourself a favor and expect you will be attacked at some point because of it. Keep your shield arm strong! Love conquers all.
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
– Romans 12:9-21
When being attacked, stop and consider the source. That’s the good thing to do. You have a superpower and it’s not your wit or your sharp tongue; it’s your wisdom in understanding how sin manifests in human beings and motivates others to attack you. Do not succumb to the temptation to respond to evil with evil. Remember the words of Jesus and Stephen instead. Even those closest to you can be your enemy in a moment of weaknesss (Mark 8:33). Exercise your superpower by loving them.
Love in Christ,
Ed Collins