Thursday – Letters

Reading – 1 Corinthians 13-14

Highlight Verse:

“Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Today, 14:1 jumped out as a good balance between the gifts of the Spirit and the love chapter.

I have seen people so adamant about the constant practice of the gifts of the Spirit that they drive people away from them.

I’ve seen some who are so focused on love that they ignore the working of the Holy Spirit and even repentance.

In this one verse, we find both love and power. They can coexist. Especially in prophecy.

True prophecy is rooted in love.

In the past, I have been confronted with “prophecy” that was rooted in gossip. It was not helpful. I dare say that it contributed to my ex-wife’s slide away from Christ and away from her commitment to our marriage.

I have also seen prophecy that was empowered by the Holy Spirit and rooted in God’s love.

Over the years, several Spirit prompted exhortations have helped keep me on the right path.

I should be clear that the gift of prophecy as I understand it, does not necessarily involve predicting the future. In my experience, it rarely does.

What it does involve is Holy Spirit prompted exhortation or advice that, when not messed up by the “prophet”, is exactly what the hearer needs to hear.

True prophecy will always line up with Scripture!

The Spirit will normally confirm the word of prophecy to the hearer and the speaker.

I could go on but I’ve already passed my self-imposed word limit.

What do you think prophecy should look like?
How do you think prophecy and love can coexist?