Spiritual Discernment

Spiritual discernment is the ability to perceive God’s will and distinguish between what is true and false, right and wrong, based on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

According to the Bible, this gift is vital for navigating life’s complexities, protecting ourselves from deception, and growing in wisdom.

Hebrews 5:14 tells us that mature believers have trained their senses to discern both good and evil. This training comes from regularly engaging with Scripture and seeking God’s guidance in prayer. 

Discernment allows us to recognize the subtle influences of the world, distinguish the voice of God from other voices, and make decisions aligned with His truth.

To apply spiritual discernment daily, we can start by:

1.     Engaging with Scripture: Daily reading of the Bible sharpens our discernment. The Word of God is a “lamp to our feet and a light to our path” (Psalm 119:105), helping us navigate decisions and relationships.     

2.     Prayer for Wisdom: James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom, and He promises to give it generously. Regular prayer invites the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts and actions.     

3.     Being Alert to God’s Voice: Discernment requires sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading (John 16:13). Whether through prayer, Scripture, or the counsel of godly people, we need to be attentive and responsive to God’s direction.     

4.     Evaluating Circumstances: Not every opportunity or challenge is from God. 1 John 4:1 advises us to “test the spirits” to see whether they are from God. Spiritual discernment helps us assess whether our choices align with God’s character and purpose.

Incorporating spiritual discernment into our lives equips us to live wisely, navigate challenges, and align our decisions with God’s will.