By Apostle Alex Adusei Agyemang 2 Corinthians 10:8KJV For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: The authority granted at any level by God in Jesus is never for the oppression, exploitation and destruction of men but for their benefit. Even when authority is exercised in judgment, the underlying reason should be love and the ultimate benefit of the people. Whether a Minister, father, mother or husband, the authority granted you in Christ is and should be for the benefit and not the destruction, exploitation or oppression of others. When it becomes that, it is an abuse of authority. This is why you should be careful of what you say when in leadership, especially when angry. There are Ministers of the Gospel who curse others when angry, it is very wrong and ungodly. Paul says, “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not….Romans 12:14KJV” Never curse your fellow human being! Never. No matter the evil done to you, don’t curse any man. Leave it to God, vengeance belongs to him. The authority that He God gives is a token of trust. If you curse them, it will work if they are guilty but Jesus will be very displeased. There are some children whose life never amounted to anything because of what daddy said over them due to anger. Some parents talk their children to failure in life. As a Minister, when you harshly rebuke the flock, it should be driven by love. It is even evil not to rebuke and correct when they are wayward. God shows tough love and when He does that it is for the ultimate good of the people. He will rather people suffer in this world and change than ending up in hell. This is why some sinful Christians were handed over to satan. “For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus on the one who has been doing this, So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present,hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh,so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord…..1 Corinthians 5:3-5NIV” The ultimate goal of authority when it comes to people should be for their benefit. The dispensation where authority will be for punishment has not yet come. Now, we are mandated to exercise authority for the good of others God bless you! Weekly Prayer Pray and intercede for unsaved souls in your family, immediate and far Scriptural reference: 2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:4, Acts 16:31
