Are We Accidentally Rejecting God’s Gift? How We "Despise" Prophecy Today

What if the most spiritual thing you do today isn’t a private prayer, but a difficult conversation?

When we hear the word "prophecy," our minds often fly to dramatic movie scenes or someone predicting the end of the world. But in the Bible, specifically in 1 Corinthians 14:3, prophecy is described as something much more intimate and practical: it is about speaking words that strengthen, encourage, and comfort others.

So, what does it mean when the Bible tells us to "despise not prophesyings"? It isn’t just about ignoring a preacher from a pulpit; it’s often about how we handle the "spiritual food" of comfort in our daily lives.

1. Choosing Comfort Over Compassion

Imagine you’re out with friends and you notice one person seems "off." They aren’t their usual self. In that moment, you have a choice: you can pull them aside to check on them, or you can think, "I don’t want to ruin the mood. I’m just here to have a good time."

Often, we don't stay silent because we are mean, but because we are afraid of the awkwardness. However, when we prioritize our own entertainment over helping a friend see their struggles through the lens of God’s love, we are—in a way—despising prophecy.

We are turning our backs on the opportunity to provide the strength they need to keep going. Jesus reminded us that helping "the least of these" is how we show we truly know Him. Your friend might not be in a physical prison, but they could be in a prison of isolation, waiting for a single word of comfort from you.

2. Closing Our Hearts to the Help We Need

The second way we "despise" prophecy is by guarding our hearts when others try to help us.

We’ve all been there: a job loss, a closed door on a dream, or the weight of grief. A friend comes to you with a verse of Scripture or a simple reminder of God’s faithfulness. Instead of letting those words lift you up, it’s easy to retreat into the pain or stay in a place of anger.

By pushing away the truth of God's Word spoken through a friend, we accidentally reject the very tool God sent to help us heal.

While our pain is real, we must be careful not to value our "right" to stay upset over the comfort God is trying to give us through His people.

Why It Matters

As 2 Corinthians 1:4 says, God comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others with that same love. It’s a cycle of care that starts with Him.

"Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble..."

Take a Moment to Reflect

• The Outreach: Was there a time this week you ignored a friend’s pain because it felt "too serious" for the moment?

• The Intake: Was there a moment you felt a "nudge" from a kind word but pushed it away to stay in your frustration?

The Next Step: Ask God to help you value the comfort found in His Word today. Look for one opportunity to share a word of encouragement with someone—or, just as importantly, practice the humility of receiving it when it’s offered to you.