Question: When I pray for people, I feel like God gives me messages for people. Is there anything wrong with going up to them and telling them what God said? I have heard many ministers say, “Thus says the Lord.”

Answer: God definitely still speaks to and through people. However, it is a heavy thing to speak for God. Ultimately, we much check our hearts and motives. Also we must be careful not to become someone’s substitute for seeking God themselves. Let’s talk about it.

Have you ever felt strongly that God laid something on your heart to share with someone? Maybe it was a warning, encouragement, or word of direction. In moments like these, we might feel the urge to say something powerful—like “Thus says the Lord.”

But… should we?

That phrase carries a lot of weight. In fact, it’s the very phrase used by the prophets of old when speaking on behalf of God Himself. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others declared, “Thus says the Lord,” and their words became part of holy Scripture. So, is it appropriate for Christians today to use the same phrase when we feel God is speaking?

1. Be Careful When Claiming to Speak for God.

Saying “Thus says the Lord” is not just a bold statement—it’s a dangerous one if misused. In the Old Testament, God took false prophecy very seriously. Deuteronomy 18:20 says:

“But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak… that same prophet shall die.” (ESV)

That’s heavy!

Even today, while we’re under grace and not under Old Testament law, the principle remains: God does not take it lightly when someone claims to speak for Him. James 3:1 adds a warning for all spiritual leaders:

“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”

This includes speaking prophetically. We are not God. We are not infallible. Even the best of us can get it wrong.
I think a lot of people would be less willing to claim to speak for God if we said they would lose all credibility if they ever got one thing wrong.

2. We See in Part, Not the Whole.

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:9:

“For we know in part and we prophesy in part…”

That’s humbling. Even if God does give us something for someone, we still filter it through our limited understanding, emotions, and human biases.

That’s why it’s wise to frame your words with humility. Instead of saying “God told me to tell you…” try saying:

• “I believe the Lord may be impressing this on my heart for you.”
• “As I prayed, I felt this might be something God wanted me to share—please weigh it.”
• “I’m not saying this is a word from God, but I felt this strongly in prayer.“

These phrases protect both you and the listener. You’re giving space for discernment rather than delivering something as absolute truth.
The goal is to point them toward God and remove ourselves from the equation as quickly as possible.

3. Test Everything by the Word and the Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:19–21 says:

“Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good.”

God still speaks today. The Holy Spirit prompts, guides, and convicts. But Scripture also tells us to test every message—whether it’s from the pulpit or a private conversation.

Here’s a simple filter to test what you feel led to share:

• Does it align with Scripture?
• Does it draw someone closer to Christ?
• Is it spoken in love?
• Does it bring clarity and peace, or confusion and fear?

4. Next Steps: Walking in Humble Boldness.

So what should we do if we believe God is speaking through us?

➤ 1. Stay in God’s Word

Immerse yourself in Scripture. It’s the only way to truly know God’s heart and recognize His voice. (Psalm 119:105)

➤ 2. Submit to Community

Don’t be a lone ranger. Share what you sense with trusted spiritual mentors or leaders before delivering a heavy word. Proverbs 11:14 says, “In the multitude of counselors there is safety.”

➤ 3. Speak with Humility

Never claim infallibility. Offer your message as a servant, not a mouthpiece of divine decree.

➤ 4. Be Willing to Be Wrong

You might get it wrong. That’s okay. Just admit it. Own it. Grow from it. The goal is not to be impressive but to be faithful.

Bottom Line: Be a Conduit, Not a Celebrity

God loves to speak to His people, but He also calls us to walk humbly with Him (Micah 6:8). We are vessels, not the voice itself. The moment we elevate ourselves to the level of “Thus says the Lord,” we step into territory reserved for Scripture and prophets of old.

Let’s be people who listen, who pray, who speak—but always with caution, humility, and love.

Further Reading:

• 1 Corinthians 14:29 — “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said.”
• Jeremiah 23 — A stern warning about false prophets.
• Romans 12:6 — Use prophetic gifts in proportion to your faith.

What About You?

Have you ever felt prompted to speak a word of encouragement, truth, or warning to someone? How did you handle it?

👇 Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s grow together.