Day 2 – Good and Evil Spirits: How They Operate | Spirits That Transfer: Understanding Spiritual Influence and Alignment

Acts 10:38 (NKJV) says, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”

That single verse shows two operations — the Holy Spirit working through Jesus to heal, and the devil working through spirits of oppression to destroy. One frees; the other binds. Both operate in the unseen realm but show their results in human lives.

From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals that there are holy spirits and unclean spirits, all functioning under authority. 

Hebrews 1:14 (NLT) says, “Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.” God’s angels, or ministering spirits, serve His purposes and bring help to believers. 

But Mark 1:23–26 (NLT) tells another story: “Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, ‘Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!’ Jesus cut him short. ‘Be quiet! Come out of the man,’ He ordered. At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him.”

That’s not fantasy, Family. This is an actual encounter showing that evil spirits can attach themselves to people, influence speech, and cause torment until confronted by divine authority.

I stick a pin there, because some people I know delight in identifying evil spirits in operation in other people and can’t see these same spirits in themselves. Some people, instead of coming against these spirits, allow their emotions to keep them bound to the very thing they should be rebuking. They let pride, anger, or offense become a hiding place for those spirits instead of confronting them through repentance and prayer. 

What I am seeing is that it is easier for some people to call out what’s wrong in others than to face the warfare happening within. 

But I am here to tell somebody today that true discernment always begins with self-examination. Before we declare what spirit is working in someone else, we must first ask, “Lord, is there anything in me that’s agreeing with the wrong spirit?” Because deliverance starts where honesty begins. Hallelujah. We have to be real if we want deliverance.

I am sure we all can look at our own relationships or that of others and see the same dynamic in operation, maybe in subtler forms. 

Spirits of anger, lust, fear, or pride may not always manifest dramatically, but they influence thought, speech, and atmosphere. 

Galatians 5:19–23 (NLT) contrasts the two natures perfectly: “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” 

So, one list shows the works of the flesh, often inspired by evil influence, while the other list shows the fruit of the Spirit. 

How do we know the difference? With spiritual discernment, Family. We can always tell which spirit is at work by the fruit it bears. And when we recognize the evil spirit, don’t encourage it, rebuke it, in Jesus’ Name.

King Saul’s story gives a sobering example. 1 Samuel 16:14–15 (NKJV) says, “But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the Lord troubled him. And Saul’s servants said to him, ‘Surely, a distressing spirit from God is troubling you.’” 

Once Saul disobeyed God repeatedly, his heart opened to torment. When David played the harp, the evil spirit left him because the atmosphere changed. Worship still does that today. Where God is truly honoured, darkness loses ground. No wonder we find ourselves withdrawing from certain people, certain lifestyles, certain places we don’t go anymore. Amen?!

Jesus Himself dealt with evil spirits constantly. 

Luke 4:40–41 (NKJV) says, “When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them. And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of God!’ And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak.” 

It is so good to know today that even demons recognize authority. They know when the Spirit of God is present, and they must scatter in the name of Jesus. But the demons will stick around if we allow them space in our lives.

In our own lives, spirits operate through open doors — unforgiveness, pride, rebellion, or compromise. Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:26–27 (NLT): “Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” 

Every unresolved emotion can become an entry point if we let it linger. But humility and repentance close those doors quickly.

Just as evil spirits can influence, the Holy Spirit empowers. Which spirit are we allowing to rule in our lives today? That’s the big question.

Romans 15:13 (AMP) says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.” 

Notice the difference — evil spirits drain, but the Holy Spirit fills. Evil spirits oppress, but the Holy Spirit uplifts. Evil spirits lie, but the Holy Spirit reminds you of the truth.

Every day, both kingdoms are seeking agreement. Heaven looks for willing hearts; hell looks for open doors. It is such a shame that we, humans, even Christians, walk through the wrong door as we allow the enemy to use us..

That’s why discernment is essential — not to live in fear, but in awareness. When we feel confusion or sudden heaviness, pause and ask, “What spirit is influencing this moment?” 

Family, God’s Spirit always leads toward peace, humility, love, and truth. Anything that drives you toward fear, pride, or strife has a different source.

Isaiah 11:2 (NKJV) prophesied of Jesus saying, “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.” That same Holy Spirit now dwells in every believer. He equips us not only to recognize evil but to overcome it.

So when we feel the pull between right and wrong, peace and turmoil, let us remember: both good and evil spirits seek our agreement, but only one brings life. 

I encourage us today to choose daily which one gets to work through us. The one we feed is the one that grows.

As I conclude my contribution today, I invite us to let this be our prayer:

“Holy Spirit, open my eyes to see beyond the surface. Let me know the difference between what’s of You and what’s not. Teach me to walk in truth and keep my heart free from every influence that’s not of God. Amen. It is finished - this war of the spirits that want to take over my life. Today, I am wiser, I am stronger. Hallelujah.”