Understanding True Discernment

When it comes to true discernment, we must be slow to speak and consider how wrong we can be when looking on the outside. Discernment is frequently mistaken for judgmentalism, suspicion, or personal bias; acting as a mask for criticism rather than a spiritual insight. True discernment seeks to understand what is good and true, whereas mistaken discernment often stems from fear, trauma, or unforgiveness, leading to gossip and tearing others down. This shows a person lacking Godly wisdom and that the individual is void of the Spirit of Truth.

The word discern and its derivatives are translations of the Greek word anakrino in the New Testament. It means “to distinguish, to separate out by diligent search, to examine.” Discernment is the ability to properly discriminate or make determinations. It is related to wisdom. The Word of God itself is said to discern the thoughts and intentions of one’s heart, see Hebrews 4:12.

Jesus was the most loving person that ever lived and would say, "neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more." He did not judge in the condemnatory sense but He certainly made a judgement of discernment, and that's where most Christians get confused.

A discerning mind demonstrates wisdom and insight that go beyond what is seen and heard. For example, God’s Word is “spiritually discerned.” To the human mind without the Spirit, the things of God are “foolishness” (1st Corinthians 2:14). The Spirit, then, gives us spiritual discernment.

When the Bible tells us not to be judgmental, it means we are not to have a spirit of condemnation towards fallen people. We are to love them, be concerned for them, pray for them, and we are still supposed to have discernment, to be able to distinguish between what is righteous and what is unrighteous. King Solomon was known for his power of discernment, making many wise decisions and moral judgments, (1st Kings 3:9,11). Christians today are to be discerning as well. Paul prayed for believers “to discern what is best, until the day of Christ,” see Philippians 1:10.

A discerning person will acknowledge the worth of God’s Word: “All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. To the discerning all of them are right; they are faultless to those who have knowledge,” (Proverbs 8:8-9). Seeking discernment is a goal for all who desire to walk righteously: “Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them,” (Hosea 14:9).

Note: Discernment is the counter to being naive. Gullible or naive people live in harm's way.

Note: There is a balance to having discernment, discernment requires godly wisdom, therefore discernment has to be done rightly, not from a place of brokenness or from people who are bitter or unhealed. True discernment doesn't look for what is wrong, with this, you will not be able to see what is right.

We are commanded to “hate what is evil; cling to what is good, Romans 12:9. unless we have true discernment, how can we determine what is “evil” and what is “good”? In order to maintain the purity of the gospel, the church must distinguish truth from heresy. Wisdom also demands that we properly discriminate between what is “best” and what is merely “good.”

Discernment has many collateral benefits. “My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet," Proverbs 3:21-24.

Consider this scripture from Psalm 119:125, May our prayer be “I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes."

Discernment is what enables us to have proper understanding and make wise judgements. Think of it as a heightened level of critical thinking. The dictionary definition of discernment is: "discrimination; acuteness of judgment and understanding." Discernment is similar to wisdom, but the primary difference between the two lies in the distinction of discernment being able to help us to decipher right from wrong, truth from falsehood. The Bible makes it clear that discernment is something that we should all desire and that it is necessary to help us to grow in our faith and keep us from being deceived.

Discernment is essential for all believers as it equips us to navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and clarity. When we ask God for discernment, we can trust that He will generously provide it, enabling us to recognize what is true, reject what is false, and make decisions that honor Him. This empowers us to live a life of purpose and conviction, firmly rooted in our faith and better equipped to follow Christ’s teachings. God’s desire is for us to be spiritually aware and confident in His guidance, so we can stand strong against deception and reflect His truth in every aspect of our lives.