Prophecy.

Take 20

A Word That Builds Up

Paul tells the Corinthians to pursue love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy — because the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding, encouragement, and consolation. That's the heart behind the gift of prophecy: the Spirit supernaturally speaking to you or through you, to strengthen someone right where they are. Paul actually wishes everyone would prophesy, because a timely word from God does something no generic encouragement can — it tells someone God sees them. Growing in this gift takes confidence, not perfection. You don't need to have it all figured out before you're willing to share what you sense the Spirit saying, you just need to be willing to offer it in love and let God use it.