When we travel and minister we have found that almost everyone has a problem they are facing. Our ministry would be short lived if we chose to judge their situations. However, if we follow Christ's example we approach every situation with compassion and authority. The Apostle Paul reminds the Galatians, “Brothers, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted.” The bottom line is that sin brings death and repentance is the only way to peace. How we bring someone to that point has to be a combination of compassion AND authority. If we only use compassion the danger is that we might excuse the fault and leave the person to continue where they are. On the other hand if we come only with authority, the danger is we could be legalistic, harsh and condemning. Even Jesus said, “I come not to judge.” He did come to expose sin with authority and to offer a compassionate solution! John 12: 47 & 48, “If any man hear my words and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world...the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.”
Occasionally we are faced with praying deliverance for a person under demonic stronghold. (Actually much of this is present in the church today.) In these cases the compassion is directed at the person and the authority is directed at the demonic presence. There is no need to shout or pray loudly! The name of Jesus is so powerful that at the name of Jesus all demonic forces must obey and get out of the person when told to. They may object and even say strange things like, “We aren't in here anymore.” But the final authority is with Jesus who cast out many demons and healed many who were ill because of their presence.
Remember, if someone has a continual characteristic that doesn't match the fruit of the Spirit, that “personality trait” is evidence of demonic oppression. See Galatians 5:13-26 If you would like to know more about this please let us know.
Isn't it wonderful to be reminded as we approach Easter that Christ's work, perfectly completed, at the cross and out of the tomb was done to free us from bondage to the world's system and raise us to walking in His compassion and authority.
We encourage you to join us in daily decreeing Ezekiel 37, Ezekiel 34:25-31, Psalm 91, Ephesians 3:14-21, and Romans 15:13 over every ACTS Foundation readership household. God is melting barriers and bringing families together in His love. He is filling His people with Hope, Peace, and Joy.
