by Ester yusufu | 16 July 2020 08:46 am07
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ!
Welcome to this Bible study. The Bible is the inspired and living Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16), and it is our guiding light and lamp for life (Psalm 119:105). To live a fulfilled and peaceful life, we must learn to obey and firmly hold on to God’s Word. Without this, we risk unnecessary trouble and broken relationships.
Many people seek friendship and family bonds, hoping for comfort in difficult times. Yet, often these relationships, which start well, end in pain and conflict. Some even pursue marriage expecting happiness, but end up in bitterness and brokenness.
Why does this happen? The answer goes back to the beginning—in the Garden of Eden.
Understanding what happened there helps us avoid repeating those mistakes and suffering their consequences.
The first two “friends” whose relationship shifted from harmony to hostility were the Woman and the Serpent. Both were in God’s presence, but after disobedience, God Himself placed enmity between them. This teaches us that sin breaks fellowship—not only between humans and God but also among people.
Genesis 3:14–15
“The LORD God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and eat dust all the days of your life.
15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.’”
This passage is the first prophecy of the gospel (the protoevangelium), showing that God’s plan includes victory over evil through the offspring of the woman (Jesus Christ). The enmity is real and ongoing, showing how sin disrupts relationships and causes conflict.
Many do not realize that sudden enmity arising between friends or family can be God’s judgment on disobedience, not just the work of Satan.
For example, a woman may meet a man she believes is her future husband. Though she knows premarital intimacy is forbidden (1 Corinthians 6:18–20; Hebrews 13:4), she disobeys God’s Word, thinking it will bring love and closeness. Instead, she experiences rejection and pain.
Courtship is meant to be a time of preparation and respect, not secret meetings or physical intimacy (Song of Solomon 2:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5). Kissing and being alone before marriage open the door for Satan to sow confusion and strife.
These “small” matters may seem unimportant, but they affect the foundation of relationships. God honors those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30). If the person you desire is truly God’s choice, he or she will love and respect your obedience to God’s standards.
God cannot bless a union built on sin (Hebrews 13:4). His purpose for marriage is blessing, unity, and holiness (Ephesians 5:22–33). Therefore, when people engage in sexual immorality, God distances or divides them (Romans 1:24–28).
The story of Amnon and Tamar (2 Samuel 13:1–21) powerfully illustrates how sin leads to bitter hatred, even between close family members. After forcing Tamar, Amnon hated her deeply, showing the destructive power of sin on relationships.
There is a spiritual principle: breaking God’s commands often brings conflict and division (James 4:1–3).
Even the people building the Tower of Babel began united but ended in confusion and division when they opposed God’s will (Genesis 11).
But the opposite is true for those who walk in obedience and reverence before God. He promises peace—even with enemies.
Proverbs 16:7
“When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
Therefore, hold firmly to God’s Word. If you want peace in your relationships, obey God fully. Don’t be like Eve who thought that disobedience would bring blessing, but instead it brought enmity.
May the Lord help us all.
If you have not given your life to Jesus Christ, now is the time. Repent sincerely (Acts 3:19), stop living in sin, find a true local church (Hebrews 10:25), be baptized (Matthew 28:19), and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in truth (John 16:13).
The Lord is Coming.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2020/07/16/dont-let-god-place-enmity-between-you-and-others/
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