Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, (Ephesians 6:10-17 ESV)

Notice we are armored up and ready to go and stand against evil. We are not to go and fight evil, we are to stand up against it. The armor is for defense not for attack. And it is for defense against evil, which is spiritual and not against the flesh and blood of our neighbors, but against the forces of spiritual evil.

So next time you start swinging that sword of the word of God remember it is to defend against evil of the spirit, not to cut down our neighbors…