The gift of prophecy in the New Testament looks radically different from what we might expect. Rather than fire-and-brimstone pronouncements or doomsday predictions, biblical prophecy centers on three beautiful purposes: upbuilding, encouragement, and comfort. 1 Corinthians 14 reveals that prophecy isn't reserved for a select few spiritual giants, but is something we're all called to earnestly desire. The text makes clear that New Testament prophecy operates within guardrails—it must be weighed by the community, anchored in love, and tethered to Scripture. When someone shares a prophetic word, we're invited to test it: Does it align with God's written Word? Does it bring genuine encouragement? Does it confirm something already stirring in our hearts? This isn't about controlling the Spirit but about protecting both the speaker and the hearer from error and confusion.