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Discernment is the ability to not only understand the difference between right and wrong but to see these differences even when they are obscured. When a person is discerning, they are able to use good judgment to perceive the true character of people as well as determine the reality of the state of things. Being able to discern is a virtue and a gift that comes from the Holy Spirit.
When discussing the many gifts of the Spirit, Paul mentioned the discerning of spirits as one of those gifts; see 1 Corinthians 12:10. Having discernment is a very essential virtue because it helps us to know when something is of God and when something is not. John warned that there are many false prophets that have gone out into the world to deceive people and that we should test these spirits to determine if they are of God.
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1
But spiritual discernment is not one of those things that you suddenly gain as a talent or learn in a college course. True spiritual discernment is obtained from the wisdom of the word of God. Wisdom is another important virtue of the Spirit of God, and this only comes when we fear the Lord.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." Proverbs 9:10
Wisdom and knowledge are gained by us fearing the Lord, that is, highly respecting Him in a submissive manner. We cannot get wisdom if we are puffed up and believe we do not need instruction or guidance from God. When we decide to let pride rule our lives, we reject the words of God, which make us easy prey for the predators of deception. This is why humility is a must before we can get wisdom.
We must also learn to study the word of God for ourselves if we want to get wisdom and discernment. 2 Timothy 2:15 states that we are to study to show ourselves approved unto God.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
This requires us to diligently seek the truth by carefully examining the scriptures daily. We cannot rely solely on our pastors or videos from others to learn God's truth. It is our responsibility to study the scriptures for ourselves; this is how we can have a real relationship with God. And when we study the word of God, we then learn how to discern His voice. Jesus said:
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:" John 10:27
If we neglect to study the Bible, then we will not know how to discern the Lord's voice when He speaks, and then we allow ourselves to be carried away by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14), listening to deceiving spirits (1 Timothy 4:1) who can trick us with the very scriptures that we think we know so well.
This is why personal Bible study is vital because it strengthens our faith and relationship with God and it sharpens our discernment.
Discernment is a powerful virtue, especially in these last days. In a time where deception is running rampant, we cannot allow ourselves to be ignorant of Satan's devices, or else he will get over on us.
"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."
2 Corinthians 2:11
Discernment comes from the Holy Spirit. We have to ask God to give us discernment. And Jesus said whatever we ask for according to His will, He shall give it to us.
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" Matthew 7:7
If you ask for discernment, He will give it to you. Just ask Him, while being humble, not having any doubt or bitterness in you, and you shall receive. The Lord gives us discernment when we study His word carefully. The more we study the word of God, the closer we get to Him and the more we learn about Him.
Start today by asking God for the gift of discernment and He will reveal things to you in the most amazing ways!
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