What is the foundation of true deliverance?
Many deliverance groups today are in competition among themselves on who can do worse. They pay evil for evil yet they want true deliverance. It is important to know that the foundation of true deliverance is forgiveness.
‘Moreover, if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglects to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican‘. Matthew 18:15-17
Believers who refuse to forgive, forfeit their relationship with God and lose their inheritance (Matthew 18:23-38). The issue of forgiveness must be settled before a believer starts his prayer of deliverance. We must ensure that we are at peace with others.
‘Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore, if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirsts, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good‘. Romans 12:17-21
Why you need to do the right thing always
Many people don’t make any effort to help others. They only wish their enemies’ death and destruction. We need to do all we can to help others to be good. Your enemies are bound to increase if all you do is fight them without doing what you are supposed to do scripturally. You will discover that you will be fighting one enemy or the other every time. Satan will make sure that you see everyone and everything around you as your enemy.
How to identify the right enemy and overcome
To identify the right enemy, you have to first obey the scriptures. You must forgive those who have offended you. Recompense to no man evil for evil; provide things honest in the sight of all men. The need to fight your enemy should only arise when you have obeyed the scriptures. Obeying the scriptures will guide you in determining your real enemy.
Not everyone is your enemy
A lot of people pray against innocent people as the enemy of their lives. That is why in some deliverance groups, everyone is a suspect. They begin to pray for vengeance once they hear or discover that someone spoke against them. That someone said something against you or is working against you should not automatically make the person an enemy, rather first see how you can bring him to the knowledge of the truth. If he refuses to listen, try using those who can talk to him. If he remains adamant after going through these means, you are free to take him as a publican. But if you fail to take all these measures and just start praying wrong prayers, you are practicing witchcraft.
What will be the fate of your enemies when you obey God’s word
Your enemies will receive more punishment when you follow the word of God because God Himself will surely repay them. Every believer who wants to experience long-lasting deliverance must overcome evil.
What does it mean to be evil?
But first, there is a need to understand what evil is and the different kinds of evil we need to overcome. To be evil is to be sinful in nature or wicked. It is to be offensive, disagreeable, causing harm or something that brings sorrow, distress or calamity. Evil can put on different garments: Many believers try to be wicked, corrupt, and perverse or to generally get involved in committing sins. They are always attempting to commit evil
‘And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, so let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there‘. 1 Kings 19:1-3