Handling Prophecy and Dreams: Sharing God's Message with Wisdom and Love

Handling Prophecy and Dreams: Sharing God's Message with Wisdom and Love

Joel 2:28–29; 1 Corinthians 14:1–3; 1 Thessalonians 5:19–21

Introduction

Throughout Scripture, God speaks in many ways. He spoke through prophets, dreams, visions, angels, and ultimately through His Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1–2). While God is sovereign and may still use dreams and prophetic impressions, the Bible teaches that every message must be tested, delivered in love, and remain faithful to God's Word.

The goal of prophecy is never to exalt the messenger but to glorify God and strengthen His people.

I. God Can Speak Through Dreams

Joel 2:28–29

"Your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions."

God promised that His Spirit would be poured out on His people. Throughout the Bible, God communicated through dreams:

• Joseph received dreams about God's future plan (Genesis 37).
• Daniel interpreted dreams by God's wisdom (Daniel 2).
• Joseph, the husband of Mary, received divine guidance through dreams (Matthew 1–2).

However, not every dream is from God. Some dreams simply reflect our daily concerns (Ecclesiastes 5:3). Therefore, discernment is essential.

Application:

• Pray before interpreting a dream.
• Compare it with Scripture.
• Seek godly counsel.
• Never build doctrine on a dream alone.

II. Test Every Prophetic Message

1 Thessalonians 5:19–21

"Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good."

The Bible encourages believers to remain open to God's work while carefully examining every prophetic message.

Questions to ask include:

• Does it agree with Scripture?
• Does it glorify Jesus Christ?
• Does it produce the fruit of the Spirit?
• Does it lead people toward God rather than away from Him?

God never contradicts His written Word.

III. The Purpose of Prophecy

1 Corinthians 14:3

"The one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation."

Biblical prophecy has three primary purposes:

1. Edification – to build up believers.

2. Encouragement – to strengthen faith and hope.

3. Comfort – to bring God's peace during difficult times.

While Scripture contains warnings, even those warnings are given so people may repent and find God's mercy.

IV. Deliver God's Message with Humility

Jeremiah faithfully delivered God's Word, even when it was difficult. Yet he spoke as God's servant, not as someone seeking personal honor.

Likewise, we should avoid speaking with arrogance or claiming certainty where God has not made it clear.

A wise approach is to say:

"As I prayed, I sensed the Lord impressing this on my heart. Please weigh it in light of Scripture."

Humility invites discernment and keeps Christ at the center.

V. Speak the Truth in Love

Ephesians 4:15

"Speaking the truth in love..."

Truth without love can wound.

Love without truth can mislead.

God calls His servants to speak both truth and grace.

Before sharing a message, ask:

• Is this motivated by love?
• Will it help people draw closer to Christ?
• Is this the right time to share it?

VI. Jesus Is the Center of Every Prophetic Message

Revelation 19:10

"For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

The greatest purpose of prophecy is not predicting events—it is pointing people to Jesus Christ.

Every genuine message from God should:

• Magnify Christ.
• Lead people to repentance.
• Increase faith.
• Encourage holiness.
• Bring glory to God.

Conclusion

God still guides His people, but He calls us to walk in wisdom, humility, and love. We should neither reject the work of the Holy Spirit nor accept every spiritual claim without discernment.

As believers:

• Pray for wisdom.
• Test every message by Scripture.
• Speak with humility.
• Build others up.
• Keep Jesus Christ at the center of every word we share.

Closing Challenge

Before sharing a dream or prophetic impression, ask yourself:

• Does it agree with God's Word?
• Does it glorify Jesus?
• Will it encourage, strengthen, or comfort others?
• Am I sharing it with humility and love?

If the answer is yes, then speak faithfully, trusting the Holy Spirit to accomplish His work.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for speaking to Your people through Your Holy Spirit and through Your Word. Give us discerning hearts to recognize what is truly from You. Help us never to rely on our own understanding but to test everything according to Scripture.

Teach us to speak with humility, love, and wisdom. May every word we share bring encouragement, comfort, and strength to Your people and always point others to Jesus Christ. Guard us from pride, deception, and fear, and fill us with the fruit of Your Spirit.

May our lives reflect Your truth, and may Your name alone be glorified.

In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray.

Amen.

 By Pastor Gaudin Mutagoma.

"Christ in You, The Hope of glory"