There are many gifts that God gives to His people, and one of the beautiful gifts mentioned in Scripture is the gift of prophecy.
Prophecy is not simply about predicting the future. At its heart, it is about speaking on behalf of God—bringing encouragement, instruction, comfort, and spiritual strength to others.
The apostle Paul strongly encouraged believers to desire this gift:
“Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:1
Desire the Gift God Gives
The Bible does not merely tell us to admire spiritual gifts. It encourages us to earnestly desire them.
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:31 that believers should desire the greater gifts. This reminds us that spiritual gifts are not given merely for our personal benefit. They are given so that we can become a blessing to others.
Imagine entering a gathering not only hoping to receive a blessing, but also carrying a word of encouragement from God that could strengthen someone else. When God gives you a gift to bless others, your life becomes a channel through which His grace can flow.
What Is Prophecy?
The biblical idea of prophecy can be understood as speaking forth a message from God for the benefit of others.
What a privilege it is to use the same tongue that once may have spoken words that wounded others to now speak words that glorify God and strengthen His people.
Our words can hurt, discourage, and tear down. But God can transform our speech so that it becomes an instrument of His love.
Paul explains the purpose of prophecy clearly:
“But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:3
Three important purposes stand out:
1. Edification
Prophecy can build people up spiritually. It can strengthen someone who is weak, discouraged, or struggling in faith.
God can use a timely word to remind someone that they are not forgotten and that He is still working in their life.
2. Exhortation
Prophecy can also encourage and call people closer to God.
Sometimes a person needs to be reminded to return to prayer, trust God, obey His Word, or take another step of faith. A word inspired by God can help bring someone closer to Him.
3. Comfort
There are moments when people desperately need comfort.
God can place a word in someone’s heart that brings hope and reassurance. When we receive such a word from God and faithfully share it with another person, we can become an instrument of His comfort.
Prophecy Is Meant to Bless Others
One of the important lessons from Scripture is that spiritual gifts are not meant to make us proud. They are meant to serve and bless the body of Christ.
If God has entrusted you with a spiritual gift, ask yourself:
“How can I use this gift to bless someone else?”
A church filled with believers who encourage, strengthen, comfort, and exhort one another can become a powerful testimony of God’s love.
God Can Use Young and Old
The biblical testimony also reminds us that God is not limited by age.
The Scriptures speak about sons and daughters prophesying. The prophet Samuel also heard God’s voice while he was still young.
God can speak through people whom others might overlook.
The transcript shares a moving example of a young girl who spoke a prophetic word to her father. Her words brought him to tears because he recognized that God was speaking directly to his situation through his daughter.
This is a beautiful reminder that God can use even children when their hearts are yielded to Him.
Parents can therefore pray not only that their children will succeed academically or professionally, but that they will grow in their relationship with God and become sensitive to His voice.
Imagine a family where parents and children pray together, encourage one another, and seek God’s direction. Such a home can become a place filled with God’s presence.
Do Not Despise Prophecy
Scripture also gives an important warning: we should not lightly dismiss prophetic messages.
When someone gives a prophetic word, it should not simply be accepted blindly, nor should it automatically be rejected. It should be handled with spiritual wisdom and discernment.
The emphasis of the message is that God’s people should value the prophetic gift and make room for God to use them to bless others.
Become a Blessing
Perhaps the greatest challenge for each of us is this:
Are we only looking to receive from God, or are we also willing to become a blessing to others?
God has given spiritual gifts for the building up of His people.
If God has placed a gift within you, seek Him. Pray. Study His Word. Grow in spiritual maturity. Ask Him to use your life for His glory.
Your words could be the encouragement someone desperately needs.
Your prayer could strengthen someone who is about to give up.
Your testimony could bring hope to someone who feels forgotten.
And a word inspired by God could draw someone closer to Jesus.
A Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gifts You have given to Your people. Help us to seek You with sincere hearts and to desire the gifts that will enable us to bless others.
Teach us to use our words carefully. Let our speech build up rather than tear down. Give us wisdom, discernment, and spiritual maturity so that we may encourage, exhort, and comfort those around us.
Use our lives, our families, and our churches for Your glory.
May everything You place in our hands be used to strengthen Your people and bring others closer to You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
