Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
1 Peter 5:8-9

The Bible teaches us that we have an enemy who looks to devour the children of God. He looks for those who are ignorant and passive to his schemes.

One of the weapons that the devil frequently uses against you as a believer is unforgiveness. He knows that unforgiveness can grow like a destructive weed in your heart uprooting the peace and joy of the Holy Spirit. Like the demoniac in Matthew 8, when we wrestle with uncontrollable rage, it can often stem from a seed of unforgiveness, resentment, or hatred that was left unchecked. When David returns after killing Goliath, the women dance, and the people sing, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” King Saul saw this and his jealousy grew into hatred, bitterness, and unforgiveness. Saul opened a door for the devil that allowed him to be tormented for years to come. The devil does not just pull us directly into the traps of addiction, depression, rage, self-harm, or sexual immorality. He plants seeds of temptation, impure thoughts, unforgiveness, and isolation, and when left unchecked, these seeds grow to overtake your heart.

But the Bible tells us to resist the devil. We do not only resist the temptations that we face daily, but resist the works of the devil. God has plans for you to live an abundant life, but the devil has plans to kill, steal, and destroy your life. Think of it this way: if you are not fighting the devil, you may be going the same direction as he is.