Never restrain or put out the fire of the Holy Spirit.
And don’t be one who scorns prophecies,
but be faithful to examine them by putting them to the test,
and afterward hold tightly to what has proven to be right.
1 Thessalonians 5:19-20 TPT
God is seeking a relationship with us. Through the prophetic, He seeks conversation and partnership with us.
Prophetic words can be conditional or command-oriented. This means they are invitations from the Lord. God plays a part, and you play a part too.
When receiving a prophetic word, it is necessary to discern what is from the Lord and what is not. It is possible to hear from the Lord but miss the interpretation, application, or timing. This should not discourage you from the prophetic. Instead, it is an invitation to grow in practice, experience, and maturity.
We are entrusted with the responsibility to judge and weigh prophecy. We know in part, and we prophesy in part.
Here are four basic filters for judging prophecy:
1) Is it consistent with Scripture?
If prophecy conflicts with Scripture, throw it out. The Bible is the foundation of truth and true prophecy will never contradict it. However, the Lord may speak about elements of your life that may not be able to immediately confirm or deny through Scripture, such as specific gifts He has given you or how He is currently working in your life. If it is not strengthening or encouraging, or if it conflicts with Scripture, throw it out. Otherwise, continue testing with the filters below.
2) Is it consistent with the character and nature of God?
Stay connected to the Lord and His character and nature. This will help you discern His voice from outside voices. Sometimes, part of the word may be from the Lord, but another part may be influenced by personal factors.
3) Test the source.
Does the person giving the word have godly character and a vibrant relationship with God? Is the giver motivated by love? Consider any factors that may shape the giver’s perspective or delivery of the word.
It is possible to receive accurate revelation from the Lord, but the delivery could be affected by other factors. When delivering words to others, be aware of your own biases and desires. Also, consider areas where your heart may need healing. The clearer your filter, the more powerfully the word will communicate the heart of God.
If someone has a personal interest related to the outcome, the word may not be motivated by love. Hold back from giving a prophetic word if you have a vested interest in the outcome.
It is best not to prophesy about marriage or babies. It is too easy to speak from our own soul based on our desires for that person. Inaccurate prophecies in these areas have deeply disappointed and hurt people.
4) Judge the word within community.
Judging within a community makes it safe. Share and test the word within a group of discerning loved ones and leaders. Seek and be open to feedback.
We all have blind spots. Community fills in the gaps and keeps us on track.
Application and Resources
Have you received any prophetic words? If so, I invite you to filter them through these four basic tests. If you want to learn more, the resources below will equip you to grow in giving and receiving prophecy:
Want to go deeper in exploring your prophetic words? You may want to check out The Good Fight: Prophetic Processing Workbook by Dan McCollam.
Want to learn more about hearing from God for yourself and others? You may love Basic Training for the Prophetic Ministry by Kris Vallotton.