How to Think Biblically About Geopolitics: Lessons from the Iran Conflict

Introduction: When Analysis Meets Faith

In early 2026, as tensions escalate between the United States, Israel, and Iran, Christians find themselves bombarded with conflicting narratives. Some pastors declare this a prophetic "end times" event requiring unconditional support for Israel. Strategic analysts predict catastrophic outcomes. News sources offer contradictory accounts. Social media amplifies every extreme position.

How should followers of Christ navigate this complexity?

This article offers a framework for thinking biblically about geopolitical conflicts—integrating strategic wisdom, critical thinking, and scriptural principles. It's a roadmap for Christians who refuse to let political tribalism or nationalist fervor override their commitment to truth, peace, and the Gospel.

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The Problem: Christians Being Used as Political Tools

The Propaganda Machine

Many influential evangelical leaders are framing the Israel-Iran conflict through a dangerous lens:

John Hagee promotes the idea that U.S. military action against Iran is divinely mandated, predicting God will destroy nations opposing Israel.

Greg Laurie describes the conflict as a "signpost on the prophetic calendar," warning that opposing Israel invites divine judgment, citing Genesis 12:3.

Jack Hibbs emphasizes the spiritual dimension, advocating intense prayer for Israel while making controversial statements about Iranian influence.

These leaders use "end times prophecy" to:

• Justify military action as God's will
• Abandon biblical peacemaking principles
• Spiritually manipulate Christians into political positions
• Remove moral agency ("this must happen because prophecy")

The Core Problem

This theology:

• Selectively applies Scripture - Ignores Jesus' command to love enemies
• Demonizes entire peoples - Treats 80+ million Iranians as spiritual enemies
• Conflates politics with prophecy - Makes questioning Israeli policy equal to opposing God
• Abandons peacemaking - Uses eschatology to justify violence

Result: Millions of Christians support policies that violate the clear teachings of Jesus because they've been told it's "biblical."

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The Solution: A 3-Step Biblical Framework

To counter this manipulation, Christians need a systematic approach to evaluate any geopolitical conflict. Here's the framework:

Step 1: Establish Biblical Principles FIRST

Before examining any specific conflict, anchor yourself in what Scripture clearly teaches:

Pursue Peace:

• Romans 12:18: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
• Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
• Psalm 34:14: "Seek peace and pursue it."

Love Your Enemies:

• Matthew 5:44: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
• Romans 12:20: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink."

Value All Human Life:

• Genesis 1:27: All people are made in God's image
• This includes Iranians, Israelis, Americans, Palestinians—everyone

Speak Truth:

• Proverbs 12:22: "The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy."
• John 8:32: "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Examine the Fruits:

• Matthew 7:16-20: "By their fruit you will recognize them."
• Judge actions by outcomes, not merely stated intentions

Just War Principles: Classical Christian theology requires:

• Just cause
• Right intention
• Legitimate authority
• Proportionality
• Last resort (diplomacy must be exhausted first)
• Reasonable chance of success
• Protection of civilians

Critical principle: These biblical commands are NON-NEGOTIABLE. They don't get overridden by:

• Political allegiance
• Prophetic speculation
• National interest
• "God told me" claims

Establish this foundation BEFORE examining specific conflicts. Otherwise, bias will determine your conclusions.

Step 2: Examine Evidence Critically

Once biblical principles are established, gather and evaluate information carefully.

Question ALL Sources:

Western media has clear geopolitical motivations:

• Remember Iraq WMDs (fabricated)
• Remember Libya "humanitarian intervention" (became failed state)
• Remember Afghanistan "quick victory" (20-year quagmire)

All nations engage in propaganda:

• U.S. manufactures threats to justify interventions
• Israel has strategic communication operations
• Iran has state media narratives
• China and Russia have their own agendas

Apply Proverbs 18:17: "The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him."

Look for Verifiable Facts, Not Allegations:

• Population statistics
• Economic data
• Documented actions (not "intelligence reports")
• Historical patterns
• Multiple independent sources

Consider Geopolitical Motivations:

• Who benefits from a particular narrative?
• What are strategic interests at play?
• Follow the money
• Examine historical patterns

Example: Claims About Iran

Western narrative: "Iran is an existential threat developing nuclear weapons"

Critical examination:

• Iran signed nuclear deal (JCPOA) in 2015
• All parties confirmed Iran's compliance
• U.S. withdrew from deal in 2018 (not Iran)
• Iran only resumed enrichment AFTER U.S. withdrawal
• Iran has not invaded another country in centuries

Evidence shows: U.S. broke the agreement, not Iran. Yet Western media frames Iran as the aggressor.

Recognize Hypocrisy:

• Nations that invaded Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria claim to care about "international rules"
• Countries with nuclear weapons lecture others about nuclear programs
• "Human rights" applied selectively based on geopolitical convenience

Matthew 7:3-5: Remove the log from your own eye before addressing the speck in another's.

Be Humble About What You Know:

• Distinguish firsthand knowledge from what you've been told
• Acknowledge information limits
• Resist false certainty
• Remain teachable

Step 3: Apply Biblical Principles to Evidence

Now integrate your biblical framework with critical analysis to make judgments.

Case Study: U.S.-Israel Attacks on Iran During Peace Talks

Does this align with biblical peacemaking?

• NO. Attacking while negotiations are ongoing directly contradicts "seek peace and pursue it"
• Fails the "last resort" criterion of just war theory

Does it demonstrate truthfulness and good faith?

• NO. Conducting peace talks while planning attacks suggests deception
• Undermines trust necessary for diplomatic resolution

Does it show proper regard for human life?

• QUESTIONABLE. Military action inevitably risks civilian casualties
• Potential for regional escalation threatens millions

Does it pursue justice or serve other interests?

• QUESTIONABLE. Timing suggests political motivations over genuine security
• Pattern of selective application of "international law"

What are the fruits?

• Undermined peace process
• Increased regional tensions
• Risk of broader war
• Suffering for innocent people
• Damaged diplomatic credibility

Biblical Judgment:

Based on biblical principles applied to available evidence: Christians should be deeply concerned about attacking Iran while peace talks are ongoing.

This action:

• Violates the principle of pursuing peace
• Fails the "last resort" test
• Demonstrates bad faith in diplomacy
• Prioritizes military solutions over peaceful alternatives
• Risks massive escalation and harm

While acknowledging:

• Leaders face complex decisions
• We may lack full information
• Nations have legitimate defense concerns

Nevertheless: The biblical call to peacemaking, the questionable timing, and the potential consequences indicate this is a morally problematic action Christians should not reflexively support.

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Integrating Strategic Wisdom with Biblical Ethics

The Case of Professor Jiang Xueqin

Professor Jiang, a Yale-trained historian, offers a "Predictive History" analysis of why a U.S.-Iran war would likely end in American strategic failure. His analysis includes:

The Sicilian Expedition Parallel: Like ancient Athens' disastrous invasion of Sicily (415 BC), the U.S. faces:

• Geographic disadvantages (Iran's mountainous terrain)
• Asymmetric warfare vulnerabilities (drones vs. expensive interceptors)
• Logistical nightmares (vulnerable supply lines)
• Lack of societal endurance for prolonged conflict

The Economic Dimension:

• Iran could block Strait of Hormuz
• Target Gulf state infrastructure
• Disrupt oil exports
• Collapse the "AI bubble" funded by petrodollars
• Trigger U.S. economic crisis

The Strategic Convergence: Jiang argues Trump, Iran, and Israel each see war as solving domestic/regional problems—a perfect storm of misaligned incentives leading to catastrophe.

How Christians Should Use This Analysis

Important Distinction:

Jiang's role: Scientific prediction based on historical patterns (descriptive) Christian's role: Moral evaluation and prescriptive response (normative)

Think of it like a meteorologist predicting a hurricane:

• The meteorologist describes WHAT will happen and WHY
• Citizens must decide HOW to respond based on values

Proper Integration:

Strategic Wisdom (Jiang provides):

• This war will likely be catastrophic
• Historical patterns predict failure
• Economic consequences severe
• Geographic realities favor Iran

+ Biblical Ethics (We add):

• War causes immense human suffering
• Peace should be pursued first
• All lives have value
• Peacemaking is commanded

= Complete Response: "Even pragmatically, this war is disastrous. AND morally, it violates biblical principles. THEREFORE, we must oppose it on both grounds."

Use Jiang's analysis to:

1. Warn against war ("strategically catastrophic")
2. Advocate for peace ("wisdom demands diplomacy")
3. Expose selfish motives ("leaders pursuing war for politics")
4. Pray urgently ("God grant wisdom to prevent this")

But ADD what Jiang omits:

1. Moral framework (not just strategy)
2. Human cost focus (lives > empires)
3. Call to repentance (choose differently)
4. Hope for change (reject fatalism)

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Avoiding Common Pitfalls

1. Nationalistic Idolatry

The Temptation: "My country, right or wrong" / "God blesses America"

Biblical Reality:

• Romans 14:17: "The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."
• Philippians 3:20: "Our citizenship is in heaven."
• Revelation 7:9: People from "every nation, tribe, people and language" worship together

Application: Your ultimate allegiance is to Christ's kingdom, not any earthly nation. This means:

• Critique your own nation by biblical standards
• Don't assume your country's interests = God's will
• Recognize believers exist on "both sides"
• Maintain prophetic distance from all earthly powers

2. Selective Application of Principles

The Temptation: Condemn actions by nations you oppose while excusing identical actions by nations you support.

Biblical Standard:

• James 2:1: "Must not show favoritism"
• Leviticus 19:15: "Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality"

Application: If you condemn Iran for developing weapons, you must also question:

• Israel's undeclared nuclear arsenal
• U.S. military bases surrounding Iran
• Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen
• Apply the same moral standards consistently

3. Accepting Propaganda Uncritically

The Temptation: Believe whatever your preferred news sources say.

Biblical Standard:

• 1 Thessalonians 5:21: "Test everything; hold fast what is good"
• Proverbs 18:17: Hear both sides before judging

Application:

• Read diverse sources (including those you disagree with)
• Question narratives that conveniently justify your political preferences
• Remember: ALL sides use propaganda
• Prioritize verifiable facts over emotional appeals

4. Prophetic Speculation Overriding Ethics

The Temptation: "This is fulfilling Ezekiel 38, so we should support it!"

Biblical Reality:

• Even IF current events fulfill prophecy, our response should remain biblical
• Prophecy doesn't cancel commands to love enemies or pursue peace
• Multiple interpretations of prophecy exist—hold yours humbly
• Early church didn't use prophecy to justify violence

Application:

• Don't let eschatological speculation override clear ethical commands
• "Birth pangs" doesn't mean celebrate the pain
• Work to reduce suffering even in "prophetic times"
• Remember: Jesus didn't establish a political kingdom

5. Dehumanizing the "Enemy"

The Temptation: View Iranians/Arabs/Muslims as less than human, spiritual enemies to be defeated.

Biblical Reality:

• Genesis 1:27: ALL humans are made in God's image
• Matthew 5:44: Love your enemies
• Luke 10:25-37: The Good Samaritan (enemy shown as righteous)
• Acts 10: God shows Peter that all peoples are acceptable to Him

Application:

• Recognize Iranian believers (underground church exists)
• Pray FOR Iranians, not just against Iranian government
• Oppose policies that harm innocent civilians
• Speak of all peoples with dignity and respect

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Practical Steps for Christians

1. Prayer

Pray FOR all nations:

• 1 Timothy 2:1-2: "Pray for all people—for kings and all those in authority"
• Pray for American, Israeli, AND Iranian leaders
• Pray for peace, wisdom, restraint
• Pray for protection of innocent civilians
• Pray for truth to be revealed
• Pray for the underground church in Iran

Not just:

• Pray against enemies
• Pray for "our side" to win
• Pray for prophecy to be fulfilled through violence

2. Education

Study:

• Biblical principles of peace, justice, enemy-love
• History of U.S. Middle East interventions (outcomes)
• Multiple perspectives on conflicts
• How propaganda works
• Critical thinking skills

Read diverse sources:

• Not just your political tribe's media
• International perspectives
• Primary sources when possible
• Academic analysis alongside news

3. Advocacy

Speak up:

• Contact political representatives
• Express biblical concerns about war
• Support organizations working for peace
• Write letters to editors
• Use social media wisely
• Engage in respectful dialogue

What to advocate for:

• Exhausting diplomatic options
• Protecting civilians
• Honest assessment of past failures
• Accountability for leaders
• Truth in public discourse

4. Church Engagement

In your church:

• Request balanced teaching on geopolitics
• Suggest sermon series on peacemaking
• Start study groups using this framework
• Gently question problematic teaching
• Model different approach in discussions
• Support pastors who resist political pressure

Be prepared:

• You may face opposition
• Some will question your patriotism
• Stay gracious and grounded in Scripture
• Prioritize relationships while maintaining truth

5. Support Victims

Practical compassion:

• Support humanitarian organizations
• Advocate for refugee assistance
• Don't forget those harmed by war
• Remember: victims exist on all sides
• Donate to relief efforts
• Sponsor refugees if possible

6. Prophetic Witness

Maintain distinctive Christian voice:

• Don't become cheerleader for any political party
• Critique all powers by biblical standards
• Speak truth even when unpopular
• Model reconciliation across divides
• Show the world a different way

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Case Study: Applying the Framework

Evaluating the Claim: "China's Foreign Policy Follows Biblical Principles Most"

Someone might observe that China's stated foreign policy emphasizes:

• Non-interference in other nations
• Win-win cooperation
• Peaceful development
• Dialogue over conflict
• Shared prosperity

Does this mean China is "most biblical"?

Step 1: Biblical Principles Biblical values include:

• Peace ✓
• Justice ✓
• Human dignity ✓
• Religious freedom ✓
• Truth ✓
• Care for vulnerable ✓

Step 2: Critical Examination

China's foreign policy strengths:

• Generally avoids military interventions
• Emphasizes economic development
• Invests in infrastructure globally
• Diplomatic engagement over force

Areas requiring examination:

• Internal governance and human rights
• Religious freedom restrictions
• Treatment of ethnic minorities
• Transparency and accountability
• Territorial disputes

Comparison with other nations:

• U.S.: Democratic freedoms but extensive military interventionism
• Russia: Authoritarian with military aggression
• European nations: Mixed records on colonialism, current policies

Step 3: Biblical Application

Balanced assessment:

• China's non-interventionist foreign policy aligns with some biblical peace principles
• Internal policies raise serious biblical concerns
• All nations fall short of biblical standards (Romans 3:23)
• Avoid idolizing any nation

Conclusion: Rather than declaring one nation "most biblical," recognize:

• Different nations have different strengths/weaknesses
• Apply biblical standards consistently to ALL
• Our citizenship is ultimately in heaven
• No earthly kingdom fully embodies God's kingdom

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When Christians Disagree

Legitimate Differences

Christians of good faith may disagree on:

• Specific policy details
• Strategic assessments
• Interpretation of intelligence
• Best diplomatic approaches
• Application of just war theory

These disagreements are acceptable when rooted in:

• Genuine biblical reasoning
• Honest evaluation of evidence
• Humble acknowledgment of uncertainty
• Mutual respect and charity

Illegitimate Positions

Some positions violate clear biblical teaching:

• ❌ Celebrating violence or death
• ❌ Dehumanizing any people group
• ❌ Refusing to pursue peace
• ❌ Lying or accepting known lies
• ❌ Hating enemies
• ❌ Idolizing nation over kingdom

These should be lovingly but firmly opposed.

How to Disagree Well

Romans 14 principles:

• Don't judge motives
• Allow freedom on unclear matters
• Insist on clarity where Scripture is clear
• Maintain unity in essentials
• Show grace in non-essentials

Practical application:

• Listen genuinely to different perspectives
• Ask questions rather than accuse
• Share your reasoning humbly
• Admit when you're uncertain
• Prioritize relationship alongside truth
• Pray together even when disagreeing

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Responding to Specific Arguments

"But Genesis 12:3 says we must bless Israel!"

Response:

Context matters:

• Spoken to Abraham, not modern nation-state
• Galatians 3:29: "If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed"
• The promise is fulfilled in Christ and His Church

Blessing Israel doesn't mean:

• Uncritical support for every policy
• Ignoring Palestinian Christians' suffering
• Abandoning biblical ethics
• Supporting actions that violate God's standards

True blessing includes:

• Praying for peace
• Advocating for justice for ALL
• Supporting genuine security
• Calling all parties to biblical standards

"This is fulfilling end times prophecy!"

Response:

Multiple interpretations exist:

• Prophecy has been misapplied throughout history
• Many predicted "end times" have come and gone
• Humility about our interpretations is wise

Even if prophetic:

• Doesn't justify celebrating violence
• Doesn't remove our call to peacemaking
• Doesn't mean we shouldn't work to prevent suffering
• Jesus didn't use prophecy to justify violence

Remember:

• Focus on clear biblical commands
• Live faithfully regardless of timing
• Work for peace until Christ returns

"We need to support our troops/nation!"

Response:

True support means:

• Not sending them into unnecessary wars
• Caring for them when they return
• Speaking truth that prevents needless death
• Advocating for wise, just policies

Patriotism doesn't require:

• Unquestioning obedience
• Abandoning moral judgment
• Idolizing the nation
• Accepting propaganda

Highest loyalty:

• Belongs to God, not country
• May require loving critique of nation
• Prophets opposed their own nations when they sinned

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The Role of Lament

A Missing Element in Modern Discourse

Biblical faith includes lament—honest grief before God about the brokenness of the world.

Examples:

• Psalms of lament (nearly half the Psalter)
• Jeremiah's tears over Jerusalem
• Jesus weeping over the city
• Revelation's martyrs crying "How long?"

Application to geopolitics:

We should lament:

• The cycle of violence in the Middle East
• Leaders choosing war over peace
• Innocent lives lost on all sides
• The Church's complicity in violence
• Our own failures to be peacemakers
• The brokenness that makes war seem necessary

Lament is NOT:

• Weakness or despair
• Passive acceptance
• Political position
• Lack of faith

Lament IS:

• Honest acknowledgment of pain
• Refusal to pretend everything is fine
• Crying out to God for intervention
• Maintaining hope while grieving
• Taking suffering seriously

A Liturgy of Lament for Conflict

God of peace, we come to You with heavy hearts.

We lament the cycle of violence that grips our world. We grieve for those who have died and those who will die. We weep for children who know only war. We mourn leaders who choose power over peace.

We confess our complicity: Times we've celebrated violence Moments we've dehumanized enemies Silence when we should have spoken Comfort when we should have acted

We cry out: How long, O Lord? How long until swords become plowshares? How long until nation ceases warring against nation? How long until Your kingdom comes fully?

Yet even in darkness, we hope in You. You are the God who breaks the bow and shatters the spear. You are the Prince of Peace. Your kingdom will have no end.

Grant us courage to be peacemakers. Grant us wisdom to speak truth. Grant us compassion for all who suffer. Grant us hope that doesn't ignore reality.

Come, Lord Jesus. Come quickly.

Amen.

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Conclusion: A Call to Faithful Witness

We live in a time when:

• Propaganda masquerades as prophecy
• Politics co-opts faith
• Complexity tempts us to simplistic answers
• Tribalism replaces biblical thinking

But God calls us to something better.

The 3-Step Framework Summary

1. Biblical Principles FIRST

• Love enemies
• Pursue peace
• Speak truth
• Value all life
• Maintain justice with mercy
• Let Scripture set the foundation

2. Examine Evidence CRITICALLY

• Question all sources
• Look for verifiable facts
• Consider motivations
• Recognize propaganda
• Stay humble about what you know
• Think independently

3. Apply Principles to Evidence

• Make judgments based on biblical values applied to facts
• Hold all nations to same standard
• Reject false dichotomies
• Choose action over analysis paralysis
• Maintain prophetic witness

The Path Forward

As individual Christians:

• Study Scripture's teaching on peace, justice, truth
• Develop critical thinking skills
• Resist tribal loyalty over biblical faithfulness
• Pray consistently for all nations
• Speak truth graciously
• Model a different way

As the Church:

• Recover prophetic voice independent of political power
• Teach biblical principles before political positions
• Create space for honest dialogue
• Support peacemakers and truth-tellers
• Care for victims on all sides
• Maintain distinctive Christian witness

As citizens:

• Engage politically from biblical values, not partisan loyalty
• Advocate for peace and justice
• Support wise, ethical policies
• Hold leaders accountable
• Vote conscience over tribe
• Build bridges across divides

The Ultimate Hope

Our hope is not in:

• American power
• Israeli security
• Political victories
• Prophetic timetables
• Strategic superiority

Our hope is in Christ alone.

He is the Prince of Peace who:

• Broke down dividing walls (Ephesians 2:14)
• Made enemies into family (Ephesians 2:19)
• Defeated powers through sacrificial love (Colossians 2:15)
• Will return to establish perfect peace (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Until then, we work for His kingdom:

• Pursuing peace
• Loving enemies
• Speaking truth
• Serving the vulnerable
• Maintaining hope
• Being salt and light

Final Prayer

Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace,

Grant us wisdom to navigate complexity without losing simplicity of devotion to You.

Grant us courage to speak truth even when it costs us.

Grant us love for all peoples, including those labeled "enemies."

Grant us discernment to recognize propaganda and pursue truth.

Grant us humility to admit when we're wrong and learn from others.

Grant us hope that doesn't depend on political outcomes.

Help us to be faithful witnesses to Your kingdom.

May we love truth more than tribal loyalty.

May we pursue peace more than political victory.

May we value all human life as You do.

Use us as Your peacemakers in a violent world.

Until You return and make all things new.

In Your name, Amen.

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Resources for Further Study

Books:

• "The Politics of Jesus" by John Howard Yoder
• "Resident Aliens" by Stanley Hauerwas & William Willimon
• "Just Peacemaking" by Glen Stassen
• "The Myth of a Christian Nation" by Gregory Boyd

Discussion Questions:

1. How has your political loyalty influenced your biblical interpretation?
2. What news sources do you rely on, and what are their biases?
3. Can you name a time when you accepted a narrative uncritically?
4. How can you practice loving enemies in practical ways?
5. What would it cost you to be a biblical peacemaker in your context?
6. How can your church better model biblical thinking on geopolitics?

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About This Framework:

This 3-step biblical framework was developed through dialogue and testing against real-world conflicts. It's designed to help Christians:

• Maintain biblical faithfulness in complex situations
• Integrate strategic wisdom with ethical principles
• Resist political manipulation
• Think independently while staying grounded in Scripture
• Be peacemakers in a polarized world

Feel free to adapt, share, and use this framework. The goal is not perfect analysis but faithful witness.

May we be Christians who love truth, pursue peace, and maintain allegiance to Christ's kingdom above all earthly powers.

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Scripture Memory:

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." - Matthew 5:9

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." - Ephesians 6:12