A Person With Discernment
- Jan 4
- 9 min read
Updated: Jan 12
In a world full of distractions, opinions, and choices, the ability to discern what is good, true, and right can sometimes feel like a superpower. But what does it mean to have discernment, especially from a biblical perspective? How can we grow in this wisdom, and what can hinder us from making wise, God-centred decisions?
What Is Discernment?
In the Bible, discernment refers to the ability to perceive, understand, and judge between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, good and evil. It’s more than just making wise decisions or having good judgment—it’s about seeing the world through God’s eyes and understanding His will in every situation.
The Greek word for discernment, diakrisis, means "distinction" or "judging between." In 1 Corinthians 12:10, discernment is listed as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, given to believers for the edification of the church and the world. It involves more than just intellectual knowledge; it’s a spiritual sensitivity that allows a person to distinguish truth from error, to understand the deeper meaning behind things, and to make choices that align with God’s plan.
How Do We Learn Discernment?
One of the primary ways we grow in discernment is through a relationship with God. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Discernment starts with a heart that seeks God and asks for His guidance. Prayer is the channel through which we connect with God’s wisdom and receive clarity in times of confusion.
The Bible is the ultimate source of truth, and through it, we can learn what is right and wrong in the eyes of God. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” When we fill our minds with the truth of God’s Word, we begin to align our thinking with His. The Bible helps sharpen our senses so that we can discern what is in line with God’s will.
As believers, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, and the Spirit plays a crucial role in developing discernment. The Holy Spirit guides us, convicts us, and teaches us what is true. Romans 8:14 says, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Cultivating a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit through prayer, obedience, and listening helps us grow in discernment.
While it’s essential to learn from God’s Word and guidance, our own experiences—both successes and failures—can also teach us discernment. Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” As we navigate life and learn from our decisions, God’s wisdom can be applied to our future choices.
Signs of Someone Who Has Discernment
A person with discernment is not just wise but also spiritually aware. Here are a few signs that show someone has a discerning heart:
They can detect when something feels "off" spiritually, whether it's a false teaching, a harmful influence, or even an unhealthy relationship. Hebrews 5:14 says, “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” People with discernment have a developed spiritual radar that helps them see beyond appearances.
A discerning person knows how to make decisions that honour God. They’re not easily swayed by the opinions of others, but instead rely on God’s Word and leading. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
3. An Ability to Speak the Truth in Love
Discernment is not just about knowing what’s right for ourselves—it’s also about helping others. Someone with discernment can gently and lovingly correct or guide others when they’re heading down the wrong path. Ephesians 4:15 says, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
People with discernment can often sense the peace of God even in the midst of challenging or uncertain situations. Philippians 4:7 talks about the peace of God, “which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Discernment doesn’t always mean having all the answers, but it often brings a sense of peace and assurance that God is in control.
What Blocks Our Discernment?
While discernment is a gift, several factors can cloud or hinder it. Here are some common barriers:
Sin can block our ability to hear from God clearly. When we are living in disobedience or unrepentant sin, our hearts become hardened, and we may not be able to discern God's voice. Psalm 66:18 says, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”
Pride can make us believe we know better than God. When we rely on our own understanding or trust in our abilities rather than seeking God, it’s easy to make poor decisions. Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” A humble heart is essential for discernment.
The world is full of distractions, false teachings, and opinions that can lead us astray. When we fill our minds with media, culture, or relationships that don’t reflect God’s truth, our ability to discern what is right becomes clouded. Romans 12:2 encourages us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
If we neglect prayer or the study of God's Word, our spiritual "senses" can become dull. We may lose our ability to distinguish between what is good and what is bad. It’s vital to stay connected to God through prayer and the Word to strengthen our ability to discern.
How Do We Develop Discernment
Developing discernment is something we can actively work on, just like any other spiritual discipline. Below are some practical exercises that can help you grow in discernment, sharpen your spiritual senses, and align your decisions with God’s will. These exercises focus on developing habits that promote prayer, biblical knowledge, self-reflection, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
1. Daily Prayer and Reflection
Purpose: To cultivate a deep, ongoing relationship with God and invite the Holy Spirit to guide your decisions.
How to Do It: Set aside a few minutes each day (morning or evening) to pray and ask God for wisdom. Pray specifically for discernment in the areas of your life where you need guidance, whether it’s school, relationships, or personal growth.
Example Prayer: "God, I ask You for clarity and wisdom in the decisions I need to make today. Help me to see things from Your perspective, and guide me away from anything that would lead me astray. Please give me a heart that listens to Your Spirit and seeks Your truth in every situation."
Reflection: After praying, spend a few moments reflecting on your day. Were there any moments where you felt unsure? Did you sense God's leading or a lack of peace? Journaling can help you track patterns and see how God is answering your prayers.
2. Bible Meditation and Journaling
Purpose: To internalize the Word of God and strengthen your ability to discern truth from error.
How to Do It: Choose a passage of Scripture that speaks to discernment or wisdom (e.g., James 1:5, Proverbs 2:6, Hebrews 5:14). Read it slowly, then reflect on it.
Meditation Exercise: Think about how this Scripture applies to your life. Are there decisions you’re facing right now where you need God’s wisdom? Write down your thoughts in a journal.
Journaling Prompt: “How does this passage encourage me to trust God’s wisdom over my own? What decisions do I need to make where I need God’s discernment right now?”
Bonus: Look for how God answers your prayers in situations and write about it in your journal. Over time, you’ll see patterns in how God speaks to you.
3. Mindfulness of the Holy Spirit
Purpose: To develop sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and promptings.
How to Do It: Throughout your day, be mindful of the Holy Spirit’s presence. Practice pausing for a few seconds before making a decision, whether it’s a big choice (like a relationship or career path) or a small one (like how to respond to someone or what you choose to watch).
Prompt: Ask yourself, "Does this decision bring peace to my heart? Am I following what God’s Word says, or am I allowing my own desires or the opinions of others to influence me?"
Example Practice: Before reacting in a conversation or situation, stop and listen to the Holy Spirit. Ask Him for discernment to know how to respond—whether it's to speak up, remain silent, or approach the situation differently.
4. Practice Saying No
Purpose: To exercise your spiritual muscles of self-control and discipline, which are closely tied to discernment.
How to Do It: Discernment often requires the ability to say no to things that are not in alignment with God’s will or your best interests. Practice saying no to activities, distractions, or even relationships that don’t bring you closer to God.
Example: If you're invited to something you feel uncomfortable with, take a moment to pray and ask God for wisdom. Trust that saying no when it’s necessary is an act of discernment. You can also ask yourself, “Will this decision help me grow in my faith and relationship with God?”
Bonus: Reflect on times when saying no was difficult but necessary, and thank God for giving you the strength to stand firm.
5. Ask for Wise Counsel
Purpose: To learn from the discernment of others and avoid relying solely on your own understanding.
How to Do It: Reach out to a trusted mentor, pastor, or mature Christian when you’re facing a tough decision. They might have insights or perspectives that you haven’t considered. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Reflection: After you’ve received counsel, take time to pray and ask God whether you feel at peace with the advice given. Seek God’s confirmation that this counsel aligns with His Word and leading.
6. Examine Your Motivations
Purpose: To increase your self-awareness and check that your decisions are being led by a desire to honour God, not personal gain or pride.
How to Do It: Take time to evaluate your motives before making decisions. Ask yourself why you’re choosing what you're choosing. Is it for God’s glory? Is it in line with His will for your life?
Questions to Ask:
“Why am I making this decision? Is it driven by fear, pride, or the approval of others?”
“Am I considering God’s Word in this decision, or am I letting my emotions lead me?”
“What does God’s Word say about this situation?”
Example Practice: If you’re feeling unsure about a decision, take a step back and spend some time in prayer. Write down your feelings and motivations, and allow God to reveal any areas where your motives may need to be adjusted.
7. Practice “Waiting on God”
Purpose: To avoid rushing into decisions without first seeking God’s guidance.
How to Do It: When faced with a decision, practice waiting before you act. This exercise helps you develop patience and trust in God’s timing. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”
Example Practice: When you’re unsure about something, don’t rush into action. Take a break, pray, and wait for God to give you a sense of peace or clarity. You may also want to ask yourself, “Do I feel at peace about this decision, or am I just rushing because I want an answer now?”
8. Reflect on Past Decisions
Purpose: To learn from past mistakes and successes and understand how God has worked in your life.
How to Do It: Reflect on decisions you’ve made in the past. Which ones turned out well? Which ones didn’t? Look at how God’s guidance helped you in both the good and bad choices. Were there moments when you had peace and clarity, and other moments where you felt unsure or uneasy?
Reflection Questions:
“What decisions did I make that were aligned with God’s will? How did I sense His guidance in those moments?”
“What mistakes have I made? What could I have done differently to discern God’s will better?”
Bonus: Share these reflections with a trusted friend or mentor to gain their perspective and insights.
Final Thoughts: Growing in Discernment
Discernment is an essential skill for living a life that honours God. It helps us navigate the complexities of life, make wise decisions, and stay aligned with God’s will. As we seek God through prayer, study the Scriptures, and stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit, we grow in discernment. And when we face the barriers of sin, pride, or worldly distractions, we can always turn back to God for the wisdom we need.
Discernment is a skill that improves with time, practice, and a deepened relationship with God. It’s not a gift that suddenly makes us perfect decision-makers, but a process of learning to trust God, listen to His voice, and apply His truth in our daily lives. By engaging in these exercises and continually seeking God, you’ll begin to notice your ability to discern God’s will growing stronger over time.
Remember, discernment isn’t about having all the answers or making perfect decisions all the time; it’s about cultivating a heart that’s sensitive to God’s guidance and aligned with His truth. Keep seeking Him, and He will faithfully lead you.
God promises that if we seek His wisdom, He will give it to us generously. May we continue to grow in our ability to discern His will and live out His truth in every area of our lives.
