Articles, Bible Questions and Discipleship Guides

The biblical characteristic of discernment is a valuable and essential quality for every believer. Discernment refers to the ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood, right and wrong, and to make wise and godly decisions. It is a spiritual gift that enables Christians to navigate through life's complexities, avoiding deception, and staying aligned with God's will.

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What is Discernment?

The Bible emphasizes the importance of discernment. In Hebrews 5:14, it states, "But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil" (Hebrews 5:14, ESV). This verse highlights that discernment is a skill that can be developed and honed through constant practice and growth in spiritual maturity.

Discernment is not merely a human ability; it is rooted in the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:14 says, "The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14, ESV). As Christians, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and provide the discernment needed to navigate life's choices.

Cultivate Discernment

So, how can we develop discernment in our own lives? Here are a few tips:

1. Pursue a close relationship with God:
   Cultivate intimacy with God through prayer, Bible study, and meditation. Knowing God's character and His Word is foundational for developing discernment. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
2. Seek wisdom from God:
   James 1:5 encourages us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." Pray for wisdom and discernment in every situation.
3. Be aware of spiritual warfare:
   The enemy seeks to deceive and mislead. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." Stay alert and grounded in God's truth.
4. Test everything against God's Word:
   Measure everything against the teachings of Scripture. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 advises, "Test everything; hold fast what is good."
5. Surround yourself with godly counsel:
   Seek advice and guidance from mature and spiritually wise believers. Proverbs 11:14 says, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors, there is safety."
6. Develop a discerning mind:
   Train your mind to think critically and discerningly. Romans 12:2 encourages us, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
7. Listen to the Holy Spirit:
   Pay attention to the promptings and convictions of the Holy Spirit within you. John 16:13 reminds us, "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."
8. Be humble and open to correction:
   Proverbs 15:31 says, "The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise." Be open to correction and guidance from others.
9. Avoid haste in decision-making:
   Take the time to seek God's guidance and to weigh your options carefully. Proverbs 19:2 advises, "Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way."
10. Live a surrendered life:
    Surrender your will and desires to God, and seek His guidance in all areas of your life. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Developing discernment is a vital aspect of the Christian walk. By pursuing a close relationship with God, seeking wisdom from Him, being aware of spiritual warfare, testing everything against God's Word, seeking godly counsel, developing a discerning mind, listening to the Holy Spirit, being humble and open to correction, avoiding haste in decision-making, and living a surrendered life, we can actively seek and develop the biblical characteristic of discernment. May we grow in spiritual maturity, guided by the wisdom and discernment provided by the Holy Spirit, and make godly choices in every aspect of our lives.

Prayer and Reading Guide for Developing Discernment

Here are ten things people could pray for to develop discernment.

1. Pray for wisdom and understanding:
   "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." - James 1:5
2. Pray for a discerning heart:
   "Give your servant, therefore, an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?" - 1 Kings 3:9
3. Pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit:
   "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come." - John 16:13
4. Pray for discernment in making decisions:
   "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you." - Psalm 32:8
5. Pray for discernment in recognizing deception:
   "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." - Colossians 2:8
6. Pray for discernment in understanding God's Word:
   "The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple." - Psalm 119:130
7. Pray for discernment in identifying false teachers:
   "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." - 1 John 4:1
8. Pray for discernment in relationships:
   "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" - 2 Corinthians 6:14
9. Pray for discernment in recognizing God's calling:
   "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality." - 1 Thessalonians 4:3
10. Pray for discernment in handling conflicts and challenges:
    "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." - James 1:5

In conclusion, by praying for wisdom and understanding, a discerning heart, guidance from the Holy Spirit, discernment in making decisions, discernment in recognizing deception, discernment in understanding God's Word, discernment in identifying false teachers, discernment in relationships, discernment in recognizing God's calling, and discernment in handling conflicts and challenges, we can actively seek and develop the biblical characteristic of discernment. May we rely on God's wisdom and guidance to navigate through life's complexities and make godly choices that align with His will and purposes.