When attempting to pull someone out of a negative situation, you will need to be supercharged with a whole lot of Holy Ghost power and have a lot of compassion towards those you are trying to rescue! Why? Because there will be times when you will not only have to deal aggressively with the spirit holding them captive; you will have to deal with them also. Why? Because of a co-dependency the spirit has built into them! This co-dependency will make them very confused as you challenge things they once believed to be truth. And as these so called ‘truths’ are undermined, they will seem to be fighting against you rather than with you at times. If you don’t have a strong compassion for them, you will be tempted to walk away and leave them in their situation. So, in trying to rescue them, you will find yourself fighting them as well as the spirit which took them captive. His intention will be to try and latch hold of you, and pull you into the same negative place he has them; that is what he does. As a matter of fact, that is probably how he took them captive.
Scripture says:
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Galatians 6:1 KJV
The word there “meekness” is read “gentleness” in other translations, and this is not a good word to use in this situation. I would substitute the word submission! Why? Because the bible also teaches that the violent shall take heaven by force, and this verse is relevant in this situation. We don’t use violence towards God’s kingdom; only a fool would do that. However, we do use violence against the predators of Gods kingdom!
Who are these predators? They are Spiritual forces of wickedness. This is what scripture calls them when it says we don’t fight against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness in high places. The high places are composed of the first, or even second heaven. And that is where we use a display of violent prayer to set the captive free. We never use violence concerning the third heaven where God dwells.
To understand this, let’s look at Moses. The bible calls Moses the meekest man on the whole earth, but he was also portrayed as the most authoritative man on earth. His meekness, or gentleness, was towards the third heaven! This is apparent when we study his interaction with The Lord and the heavenly host on the positive side. He is very submissive, or gentle, in his communication with them. True humility is when you become submissive to another person that you realize has more authority or wisdom than you do. However, when Moses is dealing with the negative side, or those that want to submit to the power of the negative side, we see him very authoritative in his dealings, even somewhat scary. This is also true with King David, Gideon, Abraham, Samson, and actually everyone that was used greatly by God!
Some translations refer to rescuers as being maturely spiritual, as opposed to just being spiritual. The mark of a mature person is the ability to control motivating passions, like love, hate, compassion, anger, sensual drive, or various appetites. For example, a soldier can use every bit of violence he can muster up against an enemy. Then within the blink of an eye, he can show extreme compassion to the person he is protecting. He is in control of his emotions.
In conclusion: Walk in humility with God, showing all reverence and submission to Him and His word, because both are one, and cannot be separated. But, at the same time, walk soberly in the presence of the evil one, being ready to move into war at his threat of attack towards you or those you protect. In saying all this I’m trying to build depth into the simple phrase ‘Love God, hate the devil!’
Scripture reading:
1 Peter 5:6-11
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.