1 Corinthians 14:3-4 (NET)
But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and consolation.
Sandra started having a check in her spirit concerning a certain prophet when each time she listened to him, she felt weakened and discouraged in her spirit.
She became very sure that the prophet was a false prophet when she found out that her friend’s sister was one of his secret lovers.
She started growing spiritually again when she stopped attending his meetings.
In today’s Bible verse we see three of the attributes of true prophecy (and even preaching). It brings strengthening, encouragement, and consolidation to God’s people.
After listening to real prophecies, you don’t leave there afraid, depressed, and discouraged unless you are an unrepentant sinner. Even when prophecies predict the coming of hard times and great persecution, etc., you would notice that those prophecies were given to strengthen and prepare God’s people for the impending, not to discourage and put fear in their hearts (see Acts 11:27-28).
The reason Jesus would tell His disciples that they would have tribulation in the world was because He wanted to encourage them and equip them for it. He wanted them to know that in spite of it all, He has overcome the world, so they should cheer up (be of good cheer). That’s what prophecy does to believers, it ultimately encourages, strengthens and/or consoles.
Go into today remembering that we have been told to test all spirits. Whenever prophecies do not encourage believers but put fear and discouragement in their hearts, those prophecies should be quarantined.
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Source: Devotional