Biblical Answer

The Point of Fighting

The concept of fighting can be understood in various contexts, including physical combat, spiritual warfare, and interpersonal conflicts. In the context of spiritual warfare, the Bible teaches that Christians are engaged in a battle against evil powers that seek to undermine their faith and way of life. This battle is not just about winning or losing, but about glorifying God through the fight itself.

In this sense, the point of fighting is not just to achieve a specific outcome, but to bring glory to God through our participation in the battle. The Bible says, "We are more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Romans 8:37). This verse emphasizes that our victories in spiritual warfare are not just about our own strength or abilities, but about the power of God working through us. The fight itself brings glory to God, and this is a key aspect of understanding the point of fighting.

The point of fighting can also be seen in the context of interpersonal conflicts. In this sense, the fight is not just about winning or losing, but about resolving the issue at hand in a way that honors God. The Bible teaches that we should seek to resolve conflicts in a way that is characterized by love, kindness, and humility (Matthew 5:21-24, Ephesians 4:29-32). When we engage in conflict in this way, we are not just fighting to win, but to bring glory to God through our relationships with others.

The Importance of Preparation

When engaging in spiritual warfare or interpersonal conflicts, it is essential to be prepared. This means being aware of the enemy's tactics and being equipped with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). It also means being willing to settle the matter once and for all, rather than just trying to find a temporary truce. The Bible says, "Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" (Ephesians 6:13).

In the context of interpersonal conflicts, preparation involves being willing to listen to the other person's perspective, to seek to understand their point of view, and to be willing to compromise when necessary. This does not mean giving up on what is important, but rather being willing to find a solution that honors God and respects the other person's dignity.

The Power of Love-Motivated Anger

The Bible teaches that love-motivated anger is a powerful force for good. When we are motivated by a desire to protect and care for others, we can engage in conflict in a way that is characterized by love, kindness, and humility. This is not the same as hate-motivated anger, which seeks to destroy and harm others. Love-motivated anger is a key aspect of understanding the point of fighting, and it involves being willing to stand up for what is right, even in the face of opposition.

In the context of spiritual warfare, love-motivated anger involves being willing to stand up against sin and evil, even when it is difficult or unpopular. This requires a deep commitment to God and a willingness to trust in His power and sovereignty. When we engage in spiritual warfare with love-motivated anger, we are not just fighting to win, but to bring glory to God and to advance His kingdom.