Let Love Be in Control

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FAITH WORKS BY LOVE, AS DO SPIRITUAL MANIFESTATIONS ~ Ray E Horton

“Faith and the manifestations of the Spirit work by love. And God expects us to use His love and wisdom to appropriately flow in the spiritual giftings.”

There is a balance in the use of Holy Spirit gifts and manifestations that many people new to the Spirit of God do not understand.  Faith and the manifestations of the Spirit work by love.  And God expects us to use His love and wisdom to appropriately flow in the spiritual giftings.  The Holy Spirit should not be quenched, as we see in some churches, yet, we do have control of how we are used in spiritual manifestations.

A brother posted elsewhere how discouraged he was because when he received the Holy Spirit, he experienced dramatic manifestations of shaking and falling, etc., and he went from church to church, yet was not received.  This is what the Lord put on my heart to share with Him, and I’ll share it here, should it be helpful to others:

“When one is sensitive and open to the Holy Spirit, my brother, manifestations may come in a powerful way, as with you. But remember, God is working through the agency of your mind and emotions. We think we don’t, but we do have control over the manifestations.

“While we should not quench the Spirit, knowing that many people do not understand, it is okay to resist overpowering manifestations and allow that which is acceptable where you are. Then, as you seek a church home or home group that accepts the fullness of the Holy Spirit, you can allow the release of the manifestations of the Holy Spirit accordingly.

“As Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 14:32-33, ‘The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.’ It’s not just with the prophetic, but with all spiritual manifestations.

“I suggest you re-read these three chapters in 1 Corinthians – 12, 13 and 14. Notice that chapter 13, known as the love chapter, is sandwiched between the two chapters about the use of the gifts. That is because the gifts are intricately tied to the fruit of the Spirit, especially love.

“Gal. 5:6 talks about ‘faith which works through love.’ By faith, we allow Holy Spirit manifestations to come forth, yet love will sometimes restrain us to a place and time where they are most acceptable.

“Notice that it says in 1 Cor. 14:1, ‘Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.’ Notice that it says ‘pursue love‘ first, then it tells us to desire the gifts.

“It is so unfortunate that even many so-called spirit-filled churches are afraid to trust Holy Spirit within people and strongly limit gifts and manifestations, all in the name of order. Quenching the Spirit also grieves the Spirit.

“Yet, I know that many churches that accept and promote the move of the Spirit will not receive from a newly Baptized in the Spirit person right away, but wait until they have matured some and been tested for truth to Word and Spirit. Also, they will not usually receive from a visitor that they do not know well. Often, it just takes time.

“Holy Spirit in us is like fire. Fire controlled by the love and wisdom of God, in the natural, provides warmth and light and power to operate engines, etc. But, wildfire, like in a forest, destroys. Not that Holy Spirit is ever destructive. But the way we channel the manifestations can make the difference. Love is God’s key controlling factor.”

(Written and first posted on Facebook April 23, 2017).