The true purpose of prophecy is to provide edification, exhortation, and comfort. Flattery affirms people’s desires rather than speaking the truth in love. We need to return to the biblical model of prophecy that challenges and corrects people to align with God’s kingdom, even if it is uncomfortable.

Purpose of Prophecy

  • Many expect prophecy to bring encouragement, but it has always been about edification, exhortation, and comfort.
  • A prophetic word should lead people to God’s truth, not just affirm or flatter them.
  • Exhortation is meant to correct and guide without putting people on the defensive.

Issue with Modern Prophecy

  • Many have come to expect prophecy to be about personal affirmation rather than truth.
  • Biblical kings in the Old Testament preferred flattering words, just as many believers today do.
  • Prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel spoke difficult but necessary truths so people could be in alignment with God’s will.

The Problem with Flattery

  • The church has replaced truthful prophecy with flattery.
  • God’s prophetic word should call people to repentance and alignment with His kingdom.
  • Prophets in scripture (Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Elijah) struggled because their words were often hard to deliver but necessary.

God’s Love Includes Correction

  • True love includes discipline—God chastens those He loves.
  • Many believers reject correction in favor of what feels good, but God’s truth is what truly edifies.

Call to Return to Biblical Prophecy

  • The prophetic should always include edification, exhortation, and comfort—not just affirming words.
  • Edification brings people out of darkness and into light, revealing God’s presence.
  • The truth may not always be enjoyable, but it is necessary for spiritual growth.

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