Word Study: Enmity – A Heart Divided

by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan

A Note: Understanding Double-Mindedness Through the Lens of Enmity
In our walk with Christ, one of the most critical areas to address is the battle of the mind. James 1:8 tells us that a double-minded person is unstable in all their ways, torn between two conflicting desires. But to truly understand the depth of double-mindedness, we must first grasp the concept of enmity—the hostility that exists between us and God when we allow ourselves to be influenced by worldly desires and values. Enmity is not just an external force; it begins in the heart, and it shapes the way we view and respond to God’s will. This word study on enmity is essential in understanding the underlying spiritual conflict of double-mindedness, as it reveals the spiritual battle between God’s kingdom and the world’s influence. When we understand enmity and its effects, we can better recognize how double-mindedness keeps us from fully embracing God’s peace and His purpose for our lives.

Word Study: Enmity – A Heart Divided
Scripture Reference: James 4:4, Romans 8:7, Galatians 5:17

The word “enmity” often comes up in discussions about relationships—whether it’s with people, God, or the world around us. The Bible speaks of enmity as a deep-seated hostility or opposition, especially when it comes to the relationship between us and God. It’s a word that signifies more than just disagreement; it represents a state of spiritual warfare, a force that keeps us from true peace and communion with the Creator.

What is Enmity?

Enmity is defined as the state or feeling of being actively opposed or hostile to someone or something. In Scripture, it refers to our human state of opposition against God or against His ways. It’s more than a mere disagreement or misunderstanding; it speaks to a fundamental spiritual divide, where one is actively at odds with the ways of God.

In James 4:4, we read:
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” (NIV)

Here, James is not just referring to superficial choices but a deeper divide that happens when we allow ourselves to be consumed by the world’s values, desires, and distractions. This divide creates a conflict in our hearts between the things of God and the things of this world, leading us to a state of enmity with God.

The Root of Enmity: Sin and the Fall

When we go back to the beginning of humanity’s story, we see that enmity has existed since the Fall of man. In Genesis 3:15, God speaks to the serpent, foreshadowing the conflict between the serpent (Satan) and the woman (Eve), a prophetic declaration of the ongoing spiritual battle. This sets the tone for the enmity that sin has caused between humanity and God.

Genesis 3:15 (NIV)
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

This verse represents the first indication of enmity that would continue throughout the Bible, culminating in the ultimate victory of Christ over sin, death, and the enemy. Sin is the root of enmity because it separates us from God, and it is through Jesus that the power of sin is broken, and the peace of God is restored.

The Battle Within – Enmity Between Flesh and Spirit

The tension between flesh and spirit is a battleground where enmity plays out in our lives. In Romans 8:7, Paul describes the natural enmity of the flesh toward God’s will.

Romans 8:7 (NIV)
“The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.”

This hostility is not passive. It’s active opposition, preventing us from submitting to God’s will and living according to His ways. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak, and this inner conflict brings a war within our hearts—a spiritual enmity that only Christ can resolve.

The Power of God’s Peace

In Galatians 5:17, we see the ongoing battle between the flesh and the spirit:

Galatians 5:17 (NIV)
“For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”

Here, we see that our sinful nature—the flesh—is constantly at odds with the desires of the Spirit. But praise God, He does not leave us in this state of conflict! Jesus came to break down the wall of enmity, reconciling us to the Father through His sacrifice.

Ephesians 2:14-16 (NIV)
“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.”

This is the good news: Jesus came to end the enmity, to reconcile us to God, and to bring peace between us and the Father. Through Christ, the wall of separation is torn down, and the enmity of sin is defeated.

Overcoming Enmity

As believers, our task is to choose the things of God, to seek His will and to make peace with Him, and through that, make peace with others. When we choose friendship with God over the world, we walk in His victory over enmity.

We are no longer slaves to sin but children of God, called to share His peace and His love with others. As we recognize the work that Christ did to break down enmity, we should live lives marked by peace, love, and reconciliation.

Romans 5:1 (NIV)
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Reflection

Is there any area of your life where you are still experiencing enmity—whether it’s with God, others, or yourself? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal these areas, and invite Him to bring healing, restoration, and peace. Jesus has broken down the wall of enmity, and His peace is available to you today.

A Prayer for Peace and Reconciliation

Father,
Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to bring an end to the enmity that existed between us and You. Thank You for reconciling us through His sacrifice on the cross. Help me to walk in Your peace, to choose friendship with You over the things of this world, and to live in a way that reflects Your love and grace. I ask that You remove any enmity in my heart and replace it with Your perfect peace. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

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