To what active warfare does Christ call His followers? 1 Tim. 6:12 (compare 2 Tim. 2:2-5).
This warfare is not a hostile encounter with our fellow humans, but the conquest of self, the subduing of our hearts to God's love. This is the hardest battle we can wage and the noblest victory we can win. The Lord can make us more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37).
We are also to contend earnestly for the faith that was once delivered unto the saints. We are to stand up for the truth as it is in Jesus and help rescue others from the enemy camp. All this calls for a determined warfare, unhampered by a belligerent, ill-tempered spirit.
Review the special armaments the Lord has provided for us so we will be triumphant. Eph. 6:10-18.
We must put on the whole armor of God. We are to consecrate our entire lives to Him without reservation. Only by unconditional surrender to Christ will we enjoy unconditional victory over Satan, our arch foe.
"The Lord has honored us by choosing us as His soldiers. Let us fight bravely for Him, maintaining the right in every transaction.... As you strive for the victory over your own inclinations, He will help you by His Holy Spirit to be circumspect in every action." - Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1119.
Rightly employed, our Christian "weapons" will never be employed to injure or disgrace anyone. How is it possible to be an active, energetic warrior for Christ without being combative and overbearing? 1 Cor. 9:19-27; Col. 3:1-16.
"Genuine faith always works by love. When you look to Calvary it is not to quiet your soul in the nonperformance of duty... but to create faith in Jesus, faith that will work, purifying the soul from the slime of selfishness.... Every soul is required to fight the fight of faith. If one is a follower of Christ, he cannot be sharp in deal, he cannot be hardhearted, devoid of sympathy. He cannot be coarse in his speech. He cannot be full of pomposity and self-esteem. He cannot be overbearing, nor can he use harsh words, and censure and condemn." - Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, P. 1111.