Ephesians 6:10-12 (JDV)

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength.

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil.

Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the priorities, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the sky realms.

we don’t got thisPaul’s call to mutual submission is not an isolated command tucked into a section on marriage or household order. It is the atmosphere in which all Christian relationships are meant to breathe. And it is precisely in this context that he urges the Ephesian believers to “be strengthened in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” The connection is intentional. Mutual submission is beautiful, but it is also costly. It requires a kind of strength that does not come naturally.

Interpersonal relationships are where human weakness shows most clearly. Many approach these relationships with an “I’ve got this” attitude, assuming that ordinary interactions—marriage, parenting, work, friendship—are simple enough to manage without divine help. But that assumption collapses under the weight of reality. The truth is blunt: no one “has this.” Not on their own. Not consistently. Not with the kind of Christlike patience, humility, and self‑giving love Paul describes.

And this is precisely why Paul shifts the focus to spiritual warfare. The enemy does not always attack through dramatic crises. Often he works through the small cracks in daily relationships—irritation, pride, resentment, impatience, misunderstanding. These are the places where he can do the most damage. If he can fracture a marriage, poison a parent‑child bond, or sow hostility between coworkers, he can drain a believer’s joy and blunt their witness. A Christian who is spiritually gifted but relationally broken becomes vulnerable and ineffective.

Paul’s solution is not self‑confidence but divine strength. God’s armor is not a metaphor for personal toughness; it is a reminder that believers are not fighting flesh and blood. The battle is spiritual, and so is the protection. Truth guards the mind against lies that distort relationships. Righteousness protects the heart from impulses that wound others. The gospel of peace steadies the feet when conflict threatens to destabilize. Faith extinguishes the fiery darts of suspicion, bitterness, and fear. Salvation anchors identity when insecurity rises. The Word of God cuts through confusion and deception. Prayer keeps the believer connected to the source of strength.

Mutual submission requires armor because love is contested ground. Every relationship that reflects Christ’s humility becomes a threat to the enemy’s work. Every act of patience, forgiveness, or sacrificial care becomes a declaration that Christ is Lord, not the powers of darkness.

Paul’s message is clear: relational faithfulness is spiritual warfare. And the strength to practice it comes only from the Lord.

Lord, keep us from the “I’ve got this” attitude. Empower us.