Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

You kindly speak to customers at work about work-related issues and they respond back rudely for no apparent reason. It takes everything in your power not to tell them about themselves. You happily go home to speak to your spouse, however, your spouse’s mood is quiet, distant, and it seems like he/she has an attitude for no apparent reason. That attitude may compel you to start an argument or have an attitude yourself.

When these situations arise, we have to remember it’s not those actual people who are being unkind or rude. It’s an ungodly spirit within those individuals influencing their minds. That ungodly spirit makes them feel justified to have an attitude or to treat someone else poorly. In the middle of the situation, our responsibility is to check our emotions so that we won’t be influenced by the same spirit, be slow to anger, and continue to show the love of God. After the situation, we should rebuke the demonic influences from that person’s mind.

It can be difficult to separate the person from the spirit, but when we’re slow to anger, it gives us enough time to softly pray for that person, and not go off (James 1:19). Showing the love of God, in spite of their behavior, plants seeds of kindness that may heal their wounds from previous pain.

Be disciples of Jesus Christ by displaying the love of God.

John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.