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DISCERNMENT

What is Discernment?

Discernment is the ability to perceive, understand, and judge situations, people, and spiritual matters with wisdom and clarity, guided by the Holy Spirit. It is the ability to distinguish between truth and deception, right and wrong, good and evil.

In the Bible, discernment is often linked to spiritual wisdom, insight, and the ability to make godly decisions. It is not just intellectual knowledge but a spiritual gift and skill that helps believers navigate life according to God’s truth.

Key Aspects of Discernment

  1. Distinguishing Good from Evil

    • Hebrews 5:14 – “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
    • Discernment helps believers recognize false teachings, deception, and sin.

  2. Recognizing God’s Will

    • Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
    • True discernment allows us to align our choices with God’s plan and purpose.

  3. Testing the Spirits

    • 1 John 4:1 – “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
    • We must discern whether teachings, influences, and supernatural experiences are from God or deception from the enemy.

  4. Seeking Wisdom and Guidance

    • James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
    • Discernment comes through prayer, studying Scripture, and listening to the Holy Spirit.

  5. Guarding Against Deception

    • Matthew 7:15-16 – “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit, you will recognize them.”
    • Discernment helps us recognize false teachers and misleading influences.

How to Grow in Discernment

  1. Read and Study God’s Word – The Bible is the foundation for all discernment.
  2. Pray for Wisdom – Ask God to give you spiritual insight.
  3. Listen to the Holy Spirit – He leads us into all truth (John 16:13).
  4. Seek Godly Counsel – Wise mentors and Christian community can provide guidance.
  5. Examine the Fruit – Jesus taught that we recognize people by their actions and character.

Discernment is a vital skill for Christians to navigate life wisely, avoid deception, and walk in God’s truth. It enables us to make godly decisions, recognize falsehood, and grow in spiritual maturity.

Would you like to grow in discernment? Ask God to open your heart, sharpen your spiritual insight, and guide you in all things!

God’s Heart on Discernment

God desires His people to walk in wisdom, understanding, and spiritual clarity so they can make righteous decisions, avoid deception, and follow His will. Discernment is not just human reasoning—it is a divine gift that comes from knowing God and being led by the Holy Spirit.

Discernment is a Gift from God

God gives discernment to those who seek Him and desire to walk in His truth.

  • Proverbs 2:3-6 – “Indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
  • James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

👉 God’s heart is for us to seek wisdom and discernment so we can live according to His ways.

Discernment Helps Us Avoid Deception

The enemy seeks to deceive, but God equips His people to recognize falsehood and stay in the truth.

  • 1 John 4:1 – “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
  • Colossians 2:8 – “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”

👉 God wants us to guard against false teachings, worldly deceptions, and spiritual traps.

Discernment Leads Us to God’s Will

To live a life pleasing to God, we must discern what is right and walk in His ways.

  • Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
  • Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

👉 God desires for us to know His will and follow the path He has set before us.

Discernment Helps Us Judge Rightly

Discernment enables believers to make wise decisions and distinguish between good and evil.

  • Hebrews 5:14 – “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
  • Proverbs 3:21-22 – “My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you.”

👉 God’s heart is for His people to exercise sound judgment, live wisely, and make decisions that honor Him.

Discernment is Strengthened Through the Holy Spirit

True spiritual discernment comes from the Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth.

  • John 16:13 – “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.”
  • 1 Corinthians 2:14 – “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”

👉 God gives His Spirit to those who seek Him, enabling them to walk in truth and wisdom.

God’s heart is for His people to walk in wisdom, truth, and understanding. Discernment is a gift that enables believers to recognize God’s voice, avoid deception, and make righteous decisions. When we seek God, study His Word, and rely on the Holy Spirit, He gives us the clarity and wisdom needed to navigate life faithfully.

Do you desire greater discernment? Ask God to sharpen your spiritual insight and guide you into His truth! 

Key Scriptures on Discernment

Discernment is a God-given ability to distinguish between truth and deception, right and wrong, and God's will versus worldly influences. Here are key Bible verses that highlight the importance of discernment:

Discernment is Given by God

  • Proverbs 2:3-6 – "Indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."
  • James 1:5 – "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

👉 God provides discernment to those who seek Him with humility and faith.

Discernment Helps Recognize Truth vs. Deception

  • 1 John 4:1 – "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."
  • Colossians 2:8 – "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ."
  • 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 – "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve."

👉 Discernment protects believers from false teachings and spiritual deception.

Discernment Helps Us Follow God's Will

  • Romans 12:2 – "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
  • Psalm 119:105 – "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
  • Proverbs 3:5-6 – "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

👉 Through discernment, we align our decisions with God's plan for our lives.

Discernment Helps Us Judge Rightly

  • Hebrews 5:14 – "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."
  • Proverbs 3:21-22 – "My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you."
  • 1 Kings 3:9 – "So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"

👉 Discernment is a sign of spiritual maturity and enables wise decision-making.

The Holy Spirit Gives Spiritual Discernment

  • John 16:13 – "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth."
  • 1 Corinthians 2:14 – "The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit."
  • Isaiah 11:2 – "The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord."

👉 True discernment comes from the Holy Spirit, who guides us into God's truth.

Discernment is an essential part of Christian life. It helps believers distinguish truth from lies, follow God’s will, and make wise decisions. The more we seek God, read His Word, and listen to the Holy Spirit, the stronger our discernment will become.

Would you like God to increase your discernment? Pray, study Scripture, and seek His guidance daily!

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