“When the church hears the cry of the oppressed it cannot but denounce the social structures that give rise to and perpetuate the misery from which the cry arises.” – St. Oscar Romero

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Listen to my song “Mercy Reigns” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

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Ephesians 6:12

For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens.

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St. Paul was in prison when he wrote this.

He was urging Christians to draw strength from God as they resisted evil.

The evil he speaks of is not each individual’s personal sins, but corporate sins– “principalities”, “powers” and the “world rulers of this present darkness.”

Paul makes it clear that the way to resist this evil is not with violence but by being clothed with righteousness as a breastplate (Ephesians 6:14), a helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) which he says is “the word of God.”

Paul has learned well from Jesus even though he never met him in person.

The evangelist was exhorting all Christians to be Christ’s hands and feet, to stand up to the powers that persecute the “least of these”, but to do so with non-violence.

He calls it “the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15).

Today, there are plenty of structural powers wreaking havoc on those in need, plenty of “world rulers of this present darkness” inflicting trauma on those seeking fairness, equality, and a helping hand.

How will you respond?

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Listen to the song of the day “Mercy Reigns” on the Mercy Reigns album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my new book “Listen to Your Heart: A Daily Devotional of Calling, Purpose and New Life” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!