Prophetic Ministry and Compassion
One of the most crucial aspects of prophetic ministry is compassion. Without this godly attribute, a prophet is nothing more than an indifferent oracle, methodically speaking forth correction, direction, judgment etc. - without concern for the feelings of others. Like a computer, he can spit out information he has received. However, he is incapable of applying it with discretion, or in a manner that is appropriate to the need at hand. He coldly pronounces and denounces, without feeling responsible for the consequences of his word. Furthermore, his failure to develop a mature love for the Church often prompts him to speak corrective words rather than words of consolation.
On the other hand the mature prophet who truly possess godly compassion will always attempt to season his words with grace, hope, and kindness. As one who commands the prophetic office, he has the right to correct and rebuke the people of Elohim, but he will use this privilege only as a last resort, not as a first response. This prophet’s goal is not to malign the Church by passing judgment, but to defend it through prayer and intercession, in hope of restraining the wrath of Elohim. When Elohim does give him a irreversible word of judgment, like Jeremiah the weeping prophet, he will not deliver the prophecy until it has been thoroughly bathed in his own tears. His compassion for Elohim’s people will drive him to the prayer closet before he enters the pulpit. There, in the prayer closet, he wrestles with Elohim on behalf of the backsliden Church (see Exodus 32:9-14). We can either whip the saints or equip the saints with the gift of prophecy. We can be the greatest prophet on earth but without love we are but as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (see 1 Corinthians 13:1-3).