“Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Eph 6:10).
These are the opening words of a series of spiritual counsels given by the Apostle Paul for perseverance in the battle entrusted to all who follow the Lord. It is an invitation to rely entirely on God and to leave behind the false security that comes from trusting in one’s own strength and abilities. We must understand and accept that God’s strength is above all in His love. It saves us from all dangers that we could never overcome on our own.
Although these words refer specifically to the fight against evil spirits, their application extends to all areas. Wherever we do not put all our trust in the Lord and instead put other priorities first, we are bound to them. In a way, they take the place of God and exercise their dominion, undermining the true hierarchy of values. In reality, all human activity derives its deepest meaning from union with God, who makes man capable of doing what he does.
The strength that comes to us from God is the might of His love. When we understand that all good comes from Him and that every true force breathes the beauty of His love, we begin to act in the strength of His power. How essential this is for our whole journey! How can we give a more convincing testimony of our Father’s love than by allowing people to encounter the power of His love through us, and by making our contribution imbued with this love of His?