Sharing Insights from the Holy Spirit
Since the Holy Spirit came, everyone can now hear from God. That means that everyone can listen to God for others, to bring encouragement and to build one another up. There are some things to consider when sharing something with someone or having someone share something with you (Acts 11:27–30, 1 Corinthians 14:3).
When sharing something with others please keep the following in mind:
You do not need to convince people that the Holy Spirit is speaking to them, the Holy Spirit will do that! (John 4, Romans 11:34).
Leave it open for testing and interpretation, using words like “I think that”, or “this is coming to mind” gives a gentler and more open approach than “God says”. Alternatively just praying it out works well (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, 1 Corinthians 14:26-33).
Be honest, open to questions and the fact that you may not have the full picture or even may be wrong! Making a mistake does not make you a false disciple (1 Corinthians 13:9).
Meet people where they are at! Be mindful of what people are going through or how they might receive it. Be gentle! How you go about sharing can affect how they will receive it. Don’t always need to be direct and asking what you get as a question can work well (2 Samuel 12:1-15, Acts 21:10-11)
When receiving something from someone please keep the following in mind:
Is what is being said resonating with you? Do you have peace or conviction about it? (Philippians 4:7)
Is what is being said in line with God’s character? (Galatians 5:22-23)
Is what is being said in line with God’s calling on your life and what He has been speaking to you? (1 Kings 13)
Do other followers affirm it (1 Corinthians 14:26-33, 2 Corinthians 13:1)