Not everything God says to us is initially comforting. Some of what the Lord says requires a change of heart to experience the comfort He offers. In some parts of the Church, a prophetic word must always be a word of hope, not correction, and that has led to a mistaken understanding of the gift of prophecy.
In I Corinthians 14:3 we are told, “But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them.” This verse has become a gate of understanding that only accepts kind and tender words. Somehow people have been led to believe that warnings belong only in the Old Testament.
If someone with evil intent was walking up behind you and a person shouted, “Look out!”, that warning would end up being a comforting experience only after you jumped out of the way and found a place of safety. The experience would end up being comforting knowing someone was looking out for you and was willing to call out a warning. I Corinthians 14:3 is the outcome or byproduct when a tough prophetic word is heard and believed. It is not a concise description of how all prophetic words should initially sound.
The Lord had warned the people of Israel in Micah’s time, but the people had been taught to disregard words of warning. The people responded, “Don’t say such things,” the people respond. “Don’t prophesy like that. Such disasters will never come our way!” (Micah 2:6). The people had been taught by false prophets who said only good things would happen as they continued to disobey God.
Obedience to a warning from God will bring comfort only after it is obeyed. “If you would do what is right, you would find my words comforting” (vs. 7).
Do not be afraid of challenging words from the Lord even if the delivery is stark and discomforting. If we follow the word of the Lord, it will always lead us to a place of comfort only after it has been obeyed.
For example, your doctor comes in sits down next to your bedside. You have known him for years. We have received all the test results. They are all negative…good news.
If you don’t forgive your brother, you are going to die