The gift of discernment is the ability to recognize what is genuine from what is pretence; what is of God from what is not of God.
Scriptural References
Joshua 2:8-11, Judges 4:4-5, 1 Samuel 16:6-13, 1 Kings 10:1-13, Matthew 16:21-23, Acts 5:1-10, Acts 8:19-25, Philippians 1:9-10, 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22, 1 John 4:1 & 6
Biblical Models
Rahab, Deborah, Samuel, Queen of Sheba, Jesus, Paul, Peter
People with this gift can
- Have a clear sense of right from wrong; truth from error; genuine motives from false ones.
- Perceive deception in others.
- Recognize inconsistencies between words and deeds.
- Sense falseness.
- Know whether a word or action is truly in accordance with God or not.
Cautions
- May be unloving and harsh when confronting others.
- May remain silent instead of confronting others when needed.
- May become too sure of themselves; lack humility, critical self-assessment,
or self-awareness. - May develop a negative "spirit of criticism" that is constantly critical of everything.
Personal Traits
- Perceptive
- Insightful
- Sensitive
- Intuitive
- Decisive
- Challenging
- Truthful
Tips for nurturing this gift
- Develop an above average knowledge of the Bible.
- Seek confirmation and evaluation of others.
- Maintain a spirit of openness to new insight; new discoveries.
Possible Tasks
Supporting new Christians, counselling, screening & discernment committees, …
Not to be confused with the responsibility of all Christians to …
Test for themselves between right and wrong.
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(c) 2004, 2006, 2008 David Ewart, www.davidewart.ca
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