Mercy and Love: The Life of Being a Soldier for Christ

Photo by Daniel Xavier

The Bible is the scripture of the Word of God, and it presents us with a vision and a goal: to become a soldier for Christ with mercy and love as our weapons.

In conventional warfare, the soldier is rippling with muscles, and his heart is full of courage and conviction. He is a man who will face danger, fighting and sacrificing himself for a greater cause. Soldiers are men of arms, wielding physical weapons and rushing against their enemies. 

Yet, there is a war going on that most people don’t even know. A war that is not waged on a physical battlefield. This is a war whose soldiers are soldiers for Christ. 

If you are a Christian, you are called by the Bible. The Bible is the scripture of the Word of God, and it beckons all believers to participate in this spiritual warfare against evil. This battle is fought not with guns and bombs but with the weapons of love, faith, and righteousness. And the frontline? It’s everywhere—in our homes, workplaces, schools, and even in the quiet moments of our own hearts.

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

– 1 Peter 5:8-9

So, how do we take up arms in this everyday battle? How do we live as Christ’s soldiers on the seemingly mundane fronts of our daily lives?

The Life of Being a Soldier for Christ

A soldier for Christ is different from a conventional soldier. We do not require guns or swords, nor do we need plate armor or Kevlar vests. What we have is the armor of God. This armor, as described in Ephesians, is not anything physical. It is the unseen spiritual armor that comes from being faithful to the Lord. When we wear the armor of God, our hearts are protected from sin and temptation. The truth of His word grounds us, and the guarantee of peace allows us to walk along the path of Christ. When we are full of faith, what the enemy throws at us is extinguished. Through the promise of salvation, our minds are guarded from doubt and despair. 

As soldiers for Christ, our armaments are his mercy and his love, a potent weapon against the darkness that encroaches ever closer. As a soldier for Christ, it is our duty to:

• Find a community that supports and encourages its members through the journey.
• Pray daily and study the Bible so that our relationship with God is furthered.
• Go beyond our familiar places and spread the faith with others.

In our battle against the darkness, the smallest acts of love are the most powerful. Perhaps it’s a smile, a willingness to listen, a prayer for someone, or maybe it’s remembering the little things—all these are ways to change the world and fight back. So, take up arms in the everyday battle and fight for the love, joy, and peace that Christ promises.

You are not alone in this fight. We are all part of Christ’s army, and together, we can make a difference in the world.

Mercy and Love

Here are a few more ways you can be a soldier for Christ in the little things you do:

• Speak with kindness and love. Our words have the power to build up or tear down. Choose to use your words to encourage, uplift, and share God’s love with others.
• Show compassion and generosity. When we see someone in need, whether it’s a friend, family member, or even a stranger, let’s step up and help. Offer a listening ear, a helping hand, or a generous gift.
• Stand up for what is right. Even when it’s difficult, don’t be afraid to speak out against injustice and defend the truth. It is silence that helps breed evil.
• Forgive those who have hurt you. Holding onto anger and bitterness only hurts ourselves. Choose to forgive others as Christ forgave you.
• Pray for your enemies. This might seem counterintuitive, but praying for those who hurt us is a powerful way to show God’s love and break the chains of hatred.
• Share your faith. Don’t be afraid to talk about your beliefs with others. You never know who might be searching for hope and truth.

Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, every moment of standing up for what is right is a victory in the spiritual battle.