Generally, there are three parts to the prophetic. A word of knowledge often opens people up, while a prophetic word fills the gap created. Finally, a word of wisdom can give instructions on what to do next. These three elements work together to form the broader prophetic gifting.
A word of knowledge is simply revelation about something that has happened that the prophet could have no way of knowing, except supernaturally through the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, a word of knowledge can lift people right out of the pit of despair. On another occasion, God uses it to build a series of steps so people can walk out of the pit themselves. It is the prophet’s job to know the difference, and to know what God wants to do in the word of knowledge he gives us.
Words of knowledge, because they are so personal, can be intensely powerful. Prophecy is not just what we say, but how we say it.
Prophets must always listen to the heartbeat of God. We can never assume that he is finished working in a person. When there’s a crack in the wall, God may want to scoop more than just the surface out. Sometimes, in our humanity, we want to rebuild a person too quickly. Prophetic people need to look at the whole battle, not just what is occurring for the moment.
The prophetic is not about the prophet, but about God and putting his love into people’s hearts. We must never parade what we know in the spirit. The essential quality after love that we need is humility-we desire to have only Christ be seen in us. Prophets must think through their styles and find one that does not distract from the power of God’s message. Sensitivity to the Lord is the basis for all prophecy.
God loves to lavish his love on people, pouring himself into them. What he wants is for us to pursue love for each person we meet. We’re not called to pursue our own gifting our ministry, but to pursue the love of God for ourselves and other people. Learning how to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, we learn how to be sensitive to those around us. We ask God to let us inside a person’s pain, so that we may know how to minister healing.