Ephesians 6:10-17 is a single sentence in biblical Greek. Yet it speaks volumes about how to walk in God's love in a world of deceit and hostility. There is honesty in these verses. Our spiritual ancestors wanted us to know that as we seek to love, God faithfully and steadily equips and protects us.

In several places, the scriptures speak of how violent impulses can take hold of people and set destructive forces in motion among us. God knows that following Jesus is not for the faint of heart. God also assures us that we can feel afraid sometimes and still act with courageous love, knowing that God is with us at all times to strengthen us.

As the author of Ephesians urges us, "Be strong in God, and the strength of God's power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present confusion, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."

And here is the equipment God provides: "Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet, put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."