Where Never is Heard a Discouraging Word

"But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort."
1 Corinthians 14:3

It's time to be honest about the prophets. There is a stark difference between the prophets of the Old Testament and the ones in the New Testament. The dispensation of grace has changed the way prophets operate. In the Old Testament, prophets were often used to bring rebuke to nations and men. If they weren't obeying the laws, they were called on it. Even then, there were amazing encouragements brought to us through them. It is indeed profitable to us to read and take to heart the words of the old prophets. But in the church today, there are prophets who speak different kinds of words from God. These are words of encouragement that bring life and strength.
    I have often struggled with the role of a prophet in the church. There is a certain amount of prophet in me and I sometimes did not understand how to release that gift without hurting or offending people. But as I have walked in the ways of the New Testament prophets, I have come to understand that my role is to encourage and strengthen people. The words I speak should comfort them, not harm them. Too many people have been hurt by out of control people who claim to be prophets, but speak words of impending doom or negativity. The prophet today is called to build up the church in the same way pastors, teachers, evangelists and apostles do. Ephesians 4:11 tells us that these different offices of ministry are to: "Prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." This is accomplished by delivering grace-filled words of encouragement to all.
    Don't get me wrong. I believe that there is a time for correction. But the pattern of the New Testament is to correct the ones who have done something wrong, and then release them back into the work of the ministry. Never did the New Testament church squash someone and stop them from serving. The prophet may see danger approaching long before it ever arrives, but his or her primary responsibility is to pray, warring in the Spirit to bring change to the situation.
    So I say, "Church, release the prophets!" But I also say to the prophets, "Choose your words carefully, for you are God's instrument and you speak his words." He is a God of love, grace and mercy. He extends it to all. How dare we misrepresent him to his people! There is no greater joy to the prophet than to see the face of a person who has received an encouraging, God-inspired word. I've seen it and it is the greatest joy of my life. Arise prophets! Strengthen and encourage the church!