Deliverance (5)

Throughout this week, we explored the subject of deliverance and looked at what the bible prescribes for gaining freedom. I would like to say that this a broad topic, which cannot be completely covered in a week. I believe that deliverance can seem like a lifelong journey for the believer. When we become born again, we are set free from sin. As we live in a fallen world, we are daily affected and impacted by what happens around us. Maintaining our freedom in Christ and living in peace requires ongoing consecration. We have to also remember that this is not a works based programme.

“not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). As the Holy Spirit lives in us, he continues to renew us as we daily die to the works of the flesh. Paul cautioned the Ephesians against bitterness, wrath, anger, harsh words, slander and malice. These attitudes give place to the devil and gives him legal grounds on which to accuse us. Let us examine whether or not we are harbouring ill feelings towards anyone. Remember that our prayers won’t be answered, if we hold any bitterness in our hearts towards anyone.

Forgive the people who have hurt you, pray for them and bless them. This is a biblical prescription and holding unto resentment is harmful and toxic. It is not sinful to have negative emotions towards others. It becomes sin when we hold unto these emotions and act on them. It is difficult to let go of past hurt and pain. It is even more difficult for us to hold unto these emotions, as they can harm us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. You are not doing anyone a favour by praying for, blessing and releasing the anger towards others. You are setting yourself free to live.

Many people are still angry towards a dead parent or relative. We sometimes need support, prayer and help to release some hurts. Some conditions may require counselling or therapy. Avoiding the pain and ignoring it, will not cause it to go away. Cry out to God for help and give him all of your difficult emotions. God will heal your mind and emotions. My final caution is to steer clear of worldly occult practices and do not entertain darkness. Witchcraft, freemasonry, tarot readings, psychic readings and horoscopes are an open door for bondage. If you have been led into any of these practices through ignorance or disobedience, confess, repent, renounce the works of darkness and seek the support of a minister.

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).

A.P.-Y.