My vicar often says, “The one who prepares the sermon gets the most out of it.”
And I now know what he means.
Because, no one could accuse me of being a natural diplomat. Conflict doesn’t bring out the best in me.
But as I got to grips with Ephesians 6 last week, I gradually began to understand why my conflict‑resolution skills struggle — and how Paul describes a better way.
In his letter to the Ephesians Paul offers a set of practices, a way of preparing ourselves so that when conflict comes — and it always does — we don’t walk into it unprotected or unprepared.
Life as a Journey That Requires Preparation
Think of setting out on a journey to another town or county.
There are things you would never leave behind — a map, a phone, water, the company of someone you trust, perhaps.
St Paul is saying: Don’t step into the journey of life without what God offers to help and protect you.
Because life has twists and unexpected turns. And God does not send us into it empty‑handed.
Lent as a Season of Strengthening
Lent is a journey too — a journey of honesty, reflection, and renewal.
And the image Paul painted for us of the armour of God, can help us to reflect, during this season, on how we might better protect ourselves in times of conflict.
One or two of these pieces of armour might resonate with you as something specific you could be better at – or maybe even highlight something you recognise as being quite good at.
- The Belt of Truth holds everything together. It’s the truth of Christ’s gospel as the foundation on which our lives are built. It’s the faith our life is built upon.
- The Breastplate of Righteousness guards the heart. We don’t seek perfection (only God is perfect). We seek a renewed desire to choose what is good, loving and above all – right.
- The Shoes of Peace help us to carry Christ’s calmness into the world, even when the world feels anything but calm. This is my main weakness – mea culpa. I must say that for me sanity goes out of the window under unhealthy stress.
- The Shield of Faith becomes our personal shield — the quiet trust we have in Jesus, helps us push back at fear, discouragement, and doubt.
- The Helmet of Salvation guards our minds from ruminations and false projections, as we remember who we are in Christ: beloved, forgiven, held.
- The Sword of the Spirit is the word of God which we use not to wound others, but to steady, guide, and strengthen ourselves.
- And finally, Prayer — the Breath of Lent — keeps us connected to the One who equips us with these things for the journey.
I think it’s reasonable to say that staying calm in a difficult situation is a challenge for me, but I also recognise that if I perceive an injustice, then the Breastplate of Righteousness can make me a force to deal with.
A Monday‑Morning Example
Imagine it’s Monday morning. You’re walking to work with a knot in your stomach after a sharp conversation the previous Friday.
Part of you wants to avoid the person. Another part wants to march in and defend yourself. But you are expected to meet with them again to address the issue.
But as you approach the meeting room you suddenly pause — and remember Paul’s words.
You draw the Belt of Truth, representing faith in Jesus, around you. Thinking of your faith you remember God has not left you without guidance, strength or companionship, and his presence is with you.
You guard your heart with the Breastplate of Righteousness Paul spoke of: Asking God to help you act with integrity, and not to respond in irritation.
You take some deep breaths to bring Christ’s calmness and peace to the situation; Let me carry your calmness, not the storm inside me – into the room – you quietly pray.
You lift the Shield of Faith before yourself: As you vow not to allow fear to dictate your reactions.
You put on the Helmet of Salvation: Rememembering God loves you, and that relationship is not on trial here.
You hold the Sword of the Spirit in your hand — which is the word of God.
Encouraging words from the great prophet Isaiah come to mind; “Do not fear, for I am with you… (Isaiah 41:10)
Then you walk in to the room to continue the difficult conversation from the Friday before.
The room is tense. The conversation is sharp. But something in you is steadier. Not triumphant — just more grounded.
You choose gentleness over retaliation. You speak truth without sharp edges.
And the atmosphere shifts — not perfectly, this is not a fairy tail — but enough.
Enough to make some peace possible. Enough to have achieved some progress in the middle ground. Enough to walk away grateful for this, rather than defeated.
This is the Armour of God at work. Not in grand battles, but in the quiet, ordinary moments where courage and stability is needed most.
Readiness, Not Fear
Paul’s message is not, “Be afraid — danger is everywhere.” His message is, “Be prepared — stand your ground — God is with you.”
The armour of God is not a call to battle. It is a call to stand. To stand firm with truth; with peace; with faith.
To stand strong with hope; knowing that God’s presence is our courage, and God’s love is our strength for the journey.
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As we reflect on standing firm in God’s armour, this hymn, Be Thou My Vision, feelsl like a fitting prayer—asking Him to be our strength, our focus, and our courage.