As natural people, we have a tendency to be hostile to God and to each other. There is a self-preservation innately in us that we have to take care of number one at all costs and anyone who rocks our boat is a threat to us. Jesus came to change that completely.
For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. Ephesians 2:14-18
Jesus broke down the wall of hostility to bring us back to God and to each other. While Paul specifically was speaking about the Jews and the Gentiles, this also applies to any group of people or individuals. The Jewish people would only allow the Gentiles to come so far when it came to their entry to the temple. They were also considered the children of the promise which meant that the Gentiles were not children of the promise. Jesus came to change all of that and open the door to whoever calls upon His name to be considered a child of God.
Christ showed us that we have more in common than we have differences. First and foremost our common ground is that we are all sinners in need of forgiveness. No one has a corner on holiness regardless of his or her heritage or family line. When Jesus spoke to a Pharisee or a Samaritan, His message was the same: repentance and being born-again.
Secondly, everyone one of us can be saved by putting our faith and trust in the work of Jesus Christ. There is not caste system in the Kingdom. There is no special access to God for a certain few. Everyone one of us can enter the Holy of holies and approach the throne of grace whether we were born again yesterday or have served God for decades. His joy, peace, and abundant life are available for whosoever believes in Him and walks with Him.
Jesus came to take the sting of hostility that originated in the Garden of Eden causing man to sin against his/her God. He also came to take the enmity of pointing fingers at each other by blaming others for our sins.
The cross did away with enmity. His good news is that you don’t have to be fearful of others, feel threatened by them, or be compelled to control/manipulate them. They don’t have the power over your life that they used to. Trusting God neutralizes and dismantles every negative affect of another man’s sin because we know God is on our side, and He will help us face whatever comes our way with His power, love, and wisdom. Thank you Jesus!
Is there a person that you have hostility towards? Ask the Lord to show you why you feel hostile towards them. What lie have you believed about yourself or about the other person that keeps you bound in enmity? This could be an opportunity for God to deliver you from a stronghold or a faulty mindset in your life.
Repent from hostility. Forgive the person for any sin committed against you. Make a commitment that you are not going to feel hostile towards this person anymore. Jesus is your peace and call upon His name to neutralize the poisoned feelings that come and declare the truth of above scripture in your situation.
Jesus has broken down the wall of enmity, and He has come to be our peace for every threat, intimidation, or anxiety that we experience. Living in the truth of the above scripture will change our surroundings!
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