The gift of discernment is one of the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit. It helps believers recognize truth from error, good from evil, and God’s will from deception. In a world filled with distractions and lies, discernment is more important than ever for walking faithfully with Christ.
What Is the Gift of Discernment?
Discernment means having the ability to judge well. Spiritually, it refers to the God-given ability to sense what is true, holy, and aligned with God’s Word. This gift isn’t about personal opinion but about spiritual clarity given through the Holy Spirit.
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good… to another distinguishing between spirits…”
—1 Corinthians 12:7,10 (NIV)
This passage shows that discernment, or “distinguishing between spirits,” is one of the gifts given to believers for the good of the church.
Purpose of Discernment
The gift of discernment protects the church from false teaching, deception, and spiritual danger. It allows someone to identify motives, spirits, and messages that either come from God or not.
“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.”
—1 John 4:1 (NIV)
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
—1 Timothy 4:1 (NIV)
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
—Matthew 7:15 (NIV)
Key reasons the gift of discernment is given:
- To protect believers from deception.
- To guard the truth of the gospel.
- To help in spiritual warfare.
- To recognize when someone is being led by the Spirit—or by something else.
Real-Life Example of Discernment
Imagine a church where someone comes in teaching something that sounds good but twists Scripture. A person with the gift of discernment may feel something is off right away. They may not know every detail, but the Holy Spirit warns them internally. This can lead to prayer, Scripture testing, and a clear realization that something isn’t from God.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
—Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
Biblical Examples of Discernment
| Person | Example of Discernment | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Jesus | Discerned the hearts and intentions of men | John 2:24–25 |
| Peter | Knew Ananias and Sapphira were lying to the Holy Spirit | Acts 5:1–10 |
| Paul | Knew the girl in Philippi had a spirit of divination, not the Holy Spirit | Acts 16:16–18 |
| Solomon | Asked God for discernment to judge wisely | 1 Kings 3:9–12 |
“But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.”
—John 2:24–25 (NIV)
“Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit…?’”
—Acts 5:3 (NIV)
“Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!’”
—Acts 16:18 (NIV)
“So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.”
—1 Kings 3:9 (NIV)
How to Grow in Discernment
Discernment can be a spiritual gift, but it can also be developed. The Bible encourages all believers to grow in spiritual maturity and discernment.
“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
—Hebrews 5:14 (NIV)
Ways to Grow in Discernment:
-
Read Scripture regularly
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
—2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV) -
Pray for wisdom
“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.”
—James 1:5 (NIV) -
Stay filled with the Holy Spirit
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
—Galatians 5:16 (NIV) -
Be part of a Bible-teaching church
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom…”
—Colossians 3:16 (NIV) -
Test everything
“Test all things; hold fast what is good.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NKJV)
Discernment in Today’s World
Today, people face many messages from the media, internet, and even some churches that do not align with Scripture. The gift of discernment helps protect the church from wolves in sheep’s clothing.
“For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.”
—2 Corinthians 11:13 (NIV)
“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.”
—Colossians 2:8 (NIV)
Believers with this gift often help others stay rooted in truth, and they can sound the alarm when something isn't right spiritually.
Summary Table: Pros and Cautions of the Gift of Discernment
| Pros | Cautions |
|---|---|
| Protects from false teaching | Can be misused in pride or suspicion |
| Helps the church stay aligned with God’s truth | Must be grounded in Scripture, not feelings alone |
| Sharpens leadership and spiritual direction | Should be confirmed by prayer and wise counsel |
| Encourages maturity in the Body of Christ | Can cause division if not used in love |
Final Thoughts
The gift of discernment is a powerful tool in the life of a believer. Whether you have the spiritual gift or are growing in spiritual maturity, God desires His people to walk in truth and avoid being led astray. Always measure what you hear, feel, or sense against God’s Word.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
—Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
“The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.”
—Proverbs 16:21 (NIV)
