Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

I see the tears in their eyes, the brokenness in their spirit, the intensity of their confusion. My brothers and my sisters. I feel your pain. And for every one tear, my heart breaks. I know I need to be strong. Don't let them suffer for the decisions you make. Don't rip them apart with your accusations. Don't tear them down with your intimidation. Leave them alone... It's too early for them to see the ugliness of humanity. But then perhaps, they'd realize how strong the wiles of the devil is, how much more we need to grasp on tightly to the grace of the Lord.

Have you forgotten the fellowship we once shared? Have you forgotten that we had partaken the Lord's supper together so many times before? Have you forgotten the relationship God has placed in our lives? Have you forgotten the years of struggles and toils and joys shared as we once bore each other's burdens, as we once prayed for one another, as we once gave counsel and advice? Are we going to let the evil one rejoice and celebrate at the situation now? We need to stand strong, brothers and sisters. We need to embrace forgiveness and love.

Accusations at us are hurled. Whispers and gossips and words that aim to reveal the "truth" at all the questions of "why". We are injured, scarred, bleeding. Is the shield of faith in Christ not strong enough for this? Are the darts of Satan sharper? Let us raise the sword of the Spirit and fend off all that serves to bring us down.

Pray.