The Bottom Line, Ministries Christian News, Articles, & Poetry 
In my last article, I wrote about a gift of the Holy Spirit called discerning of spirits. This gift is critically important to the body of Christ. It helps distinguish between what is of the Holy Spirit and what is a counterfeit. And it is a powerful aid to the ministry of deliverance, exposing the presence and identity of demons.
Another manifestation of the Spirit that helps in releasing deliverance is called a “word of knowledge.” First Corinthians 12:7-8 says, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit.”
A word of knowledge is when you get a piece of information supernaturally from the Holy Spirit. A great example from Scripture is when Jesus supernaturally knew that the woman He was talking to in John chapter four had been married five times. (John 4:16-18) God gives words of knowledge to show people that He is involved in their lives and that He loves them. They are a powerful tool to help release healing and deliverance to those in need.
Sometimes when I am praying over someone, a word of knowledge is the key to setting them free. For example, there have been times when the Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart that there was someone that the one receiving prayer needed to forgive. Without this knowledge, deliverance would be hindered because unforgiveness gives the enemy a right to torment us.
The Lord can give words of knowledge that reveal hurts from the past that need to be healed, things that have opened the door to evil spirits in a person’s life, or other keys that will help in setting people free.
When we minister to others, it is paramount that we welcome the Holy Spirit’s power and seek to be led by Him. He is the one that empowers us to walk in the authority of Jesus and set others free. He wants to work through us supernaturally so that we are not left to our own power and resources!
Have you ever given or received a word of knowledge before? What do you believe about the gift of discerning spirits?
