For the past few weeks, I have been seeing "discernment" or "spiritual discernment" a lot while studying the Bible and I've even heard it on a couple of podcasts. After about the fourth time of seeing the word, I decided to do some research because I thought I knew what it meant but I wasn't 100% sure.
Now before I go into what spiritual discernment is, I wanted to address that this is different than the gift of discernment of spirits or distinguishing between spirits. In another blog, I will be going over the gift of discernment of spirits. Today I will be talking all about Christian spiritual discernment, what it is, and how to practice it.
So what is Christian Spiritual Discernment? According to Wikipedia, "The fundamental definition for Christian discernment is a decision-making process in which an individual makes a discovery that can lead to future action. In the process of Christian spiritual discernment, God guides the individual to help them arrive at the best decision."
Another definition that I found of discernment is: According to Grace to You "In its simplest definition, discernment is nothing more than the ability to decide between truth and error, right and wrong."
In order for us to be able to decide between right and wrong, we have to let God guide us and give us the knowledge and understanding that we need. I'm going to put a few Bible verses that talk about discernment. Then I will discuss it and go over some things to implement to start practicing Christian spiritual discernment right away.
"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God."
- Philippians 1: 9-11
In these verses, this is a letter from the Apostle Paul. Jesus Christ is righteous, merciful, and he is full of love and grace. In order to get that insight, we have to seek that knowledge and wisdom from the Lord.
"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." -Romans 12: 2
So how can we renew our minds? By prayer, by having a close relationship with Christ, and really diving into the Bible and seeking the truth of God's word.
"The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out." -Proverbs 18: 15
So in order to discern the truth, we have to attain knowledge. In order to attain knowledge, we have to seek it through Christ.
Practicing discernment is so important, especially with the way the world is today. There are so many false idols, false "gods," and evil things that are being normalized in this world. As Christians, we have to practice discernment and seek that knowledge and wisdom through Christ.
Here are 3 things to implement to practice Christian Spiritual Discernment:
1. Pray
- Praying is so important to do throughout the day and in every aspect of your life.
- You want to pray for guidance, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding to be able to discern between what is right and what is wrong and to be able to come to a decision that is in God's will and what he wants for your life.
- Anytime you have to make a decision, your hesitant or confused about something, pray and ask God for guidance.
2. Read the Bible
- We have the greatest tool to be able to gain wisdom, knowledge, and know the truth of God's word. The Bible has God's words written down for us.
- We have to take designated time (a good chunk of time out of our day, not just 5 mins a day) to dive deep and study the Bible to really understand God's words.
- One thing that really helps me and I know it will help you also is to pray before reading the Bible. I always pray for knowledge and wisdom to understand exactly what it is that I'm reading and how to implement it in my daily life.
3. Listen
- You have to take time to silence your mind and really listen to what the Holy Spirit is telling you.
- When you are praying and asking for knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, and really studying your Bible, the Holy Spirit will give you the answers that you are seeking, you just have to listen.
- You may not get the answers right away, it will probably take some time. The more you practice discernment, you may get the answers quicker.
- God whispers and if you are distracted with so many thoughts racing through your mind, you're not going to hear him.
- Don't get discouraged if you don't get the answers your searching for straight away. It will take some time to really practice discernment.
So if you're anything like me and you thought you knew what Christian spiritual discernment meant but you weren't quite sure, I hope this helped you. I also hope that this helped you to understand the importance of practicing spiritual discernment and that you will start practicing it right away.
Before I let you go I want to pray for you. Lord, I pray that you are with every single person reading this right now. I pray that you open up their heart, mind, eyes, ears, and spirit and that they lean on you for guidance, knowledge, and understanding. I pray that with your guidance they will be able to discern what is right and wrong and what your will for them is. I love you so much, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.
I love you guys so much.
Never forget to choose faith over fear.
-Lorena Camille (Faith Fuels My Fire)
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