Discerning the Miraculous: Where’s the Love?!

Miracles are laced throughout the Bible. Some are referenced with God as their source while others find their origin in “sorcery, secret arts, or magic.” How do we know the source for the miracles that are taking place in this 21^st century? Do they even have different sources as the Bible shows they did back then? And, what about love? How does God’s love, which is supposed to be manifested through us, fit into this confusing doctrine?

I think that the basis for the miraculous can be found in Genesis 1:28: God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue (govern) it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

As human beings, we have been given control over planet Earth by the Creator. This is how He chose to setup the laws of the universe. When God speaks, a natural law of order is set in motion and cannot be detracted unless He commands it so. Could the basic principle that we have been given control over the natural world be the origin of the miraculous? Doesn’t the birth of a child seem quite miraculous? How about the experiment which has been done countless times where you take two jars of rice and speak positive words over one jar for a month while speaking negativity over the second jar? The results would astound you…go ahead and search them on the internet. The complex surgeries that doctors can perform sure seem miraculous to me. We call things that can’t be explained by science, a miracle. Could it be that healing someone’s knee by speaking a few words or a prayer might not be called a miracle in a century or two? I’m not taking God out of the equation because the Creator of everything is in the whole freakin’ equation. I don’t bother to mention Him in these “miracles” because, to me, it’s obvious that He set this whole thing up to run this way. The fact that our planet continues to be upheld and warmed by the sun is definitely a miracle that is somewhat outside the realm of scientific explanation.

Those associated with Christianity have performed miracles, same with other religious affiliations, and also those with absolutely no religious adherence. What does one do with that?! Again, I go back to Genesis 1:28 that I listed earlier. God set up this earth for us to rule over, to have dominion. We are the superior race on planet Earth. Animals, trees, water, atoms, and every other scientific thing which I have no clue about must follow suit to what we say and do. Maybe I should mention here that any leader is supposed to be a benevolent servant to anything he governs. God has trusted us with this great responsibility. We are to be magnanimous kings, which unfortunately does not happen all that often. We litter, pollute, are cruel to animals, and waste a lot of precious natural resources. But that’s all beside the point.

I spent a year at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry where miracles are one of their major points of emphasis. Much of my year was spent being trained how to partner with God’s presence to tell the future, heal a sickness or injury, give someone a word of knowledge about their past or present, and a few other gifts of the Spirit. Now, contrary to what a lot of people believe, I found that Bethel’s leadership and a lot of their congregants are quite genuine in the many attempts they make at training Christians all over the world in the “supernatural gifts.” Bethel takes A LOT of heat over their controversial beliefs and teaching methods. In my opinion, some is justified but most is not. In the year I sat under their leadership, there was never anything major that I took issue with. I trusted their hearts and motives. On the other hand, I don’t necessarily believe that Bethel’s theology, along with the Charismatic denomination as a whole, has taken the healthiest approach in keeping “the main thing the main thing”—LOVE. There were a lot of really strange people there. I’m not trying to be mean, but the place attracts people who probably have a really hard time fitting into normal society. I’m not judging, just stating a fact that any observer would agree with. 

Before going to Bethel, I saw a similar tragedy happen while growing up in a conservative Protestant environment: People striving for affirmation, from God and man, through achieving a certain agenda. Whether it be getting someone to pray a specific prayer, or witnessing my prayer heal someone’s headache, the same damage can be done. The innocent bystander (victim) leaves feeling used and unloved. They feel like they were a project, not a person. Did you even ask my name? Do you care about the hell I’m going through today? What is wrong with you? You don’t look like Jesus to me. This is the impression that they are left with. It would be naive to say this happens on every occasion with the sects I’m speaking about, but from my experience, it happens way more often than it should for a religion that is supposed to be known for its love above all else. 

Please don’t wrongly perceive that I'm throwing out praying for sick people or leading someone through a “salvation prayer.” There can be healthy methods for doing this stuff. But then there are also really unhealthy ways to do it, especially when one turns them into formulas. The unhealthy methods are what I’m referencing. I have friends, mentors, and loved ones who participate in both, so I am really am not at all degrading a people group or a doctrine. I’m just highlighting the potential and common dangers that are associated.

So, at the end of the day, I choose to categorize a “miracle” the way Jesus did in Matthew 7:16-18, 20. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So ever good (loving) tree bears good (loving) fruit, but the bad (agenda-driven) tree bears bad (agenda-driven) fruit. A good (loving) tree cannot produce bad (agenda-driven) fruit, nor can a bad (agenda-driven) tree produce good (loving) fruit. So then, you will know them by their fruits.

I do believe that God is the Source behind all miracles because He created everything. However, I don’t believe that every miracle is a part of His will or desire. Take a look at the miracles Jesus performed and see if any of them are void of love. Then, check out miracles done by “sorcerers and magicians” and notice how they are done for personal gain, often with wealth. We see both today.

There’s no need to be scared of the miraculous or to even shy away from it. Just don’t idolize it or think that it is a badge of honor for your advanced placement in the Christian kingdom. Your miracles don’t elevate you above anyone else. Neither does the amount of times you’ve “led someone to the Lord.” These things are all just dirty rags if you don’t leave people feeling valued and loved. God isn’t impressed by stats or “successful prayers.” He is impressed by your love for your fellow man. Miracles sometimes follow love, but love certainly doesn’t always follow miracles.