To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses. I Corinthians 12:8-11, NRSV

Prophecy is pointing out the obvious truth that whenever we choose not to love God, ourselves, and our neighbors, our lives go to hell. We may grow rich in material things, live a life of wealth and power by denying others the most basic needs, and all but convince ourselves that such a life will make us happy and fulfilled.

When our souls most need to hear the truth is when we are least likely to listen – and most likely to wish or actually do harm to the one who speaks to us a prophetic word. But God knows we need that word, and the one given the gift of prophecy saves us from our self-created hell on earth. Usually at great cost.