Biblical Answer

The point of fighting when you're already beaten is not to try to beat yourself up in public, but to courageously name your woundedness and wickedness in the presence of loving community as you journey together toward wholeness. It's about getting alone with God and doing battle before Him, settling the matter once and for all. This is the approach that the prophet Isaiah uses when he says, "Come now, let us settle the matter!" (Isaiah 1:18). It's not about trying to win a fight in the external world, but about seeking God's guidance and strength to overcome our struggles.

In the biblical context, fighting is not about being aggressive or taking a "beating" approach, but about being courageous and humble. Jesus himself shows us what it means to fight with humility and weakness, as he says, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:29). This is the opposite of trying to assert ourselves or our own strength, but rather surrendering to God's power and guidance. As the apostle Paul says, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).

The key is to recognize that the battle is not yours to win, but God's. As the prophet Isaiah says, "Woe to those who draw evil plans, who plot evil things on their couches" (Isaiah 8:10). It's not about trying to fight the battle ourselves, but about seeking God's guidance and strength to overcome our struggles. As Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). This is the approach that will lead us to victory, not through our own strength, but through God's power and guidance.