How Do You Know if You Have the Gift of Discernment?
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Spritual Gift of Discernment
I have always been interested in the spiritual gifts that God has granted to every believer. Some of the gifts are so apparent in peoples lives. Other gifts, like that of serving, do not stand out in the limelight. It is such a blessing to see believer's using their gift to minister to others. A spiritual gift is a trust ... a sacred trust that God has gifted to every believer. In this article, I would like to write about one of the spiritual gifts called the Gift of Discernment.
Before we get into this specific gift I'd like to list all the gifts of the Spirit. There are three places, in Scripture, where the gifts of the Spirit are listed. Romans 12:6-8 lists: Prophecy, Ministry, Teaching, Exhortation, Giving, Leading, Showing mercy (compassion). I Cor. 12 1-14 lists: Wisdom, Knowledge, Discerning of spirits (human, angelic, demonic), Speaking in tongues, Interpretation of tongues, Prophecy, Faith, Working of miracles, Healing. Ephesians 4:11 lists: Apostolic, Prophectic, Evangelical, Pastoral and Teaching.
Spiritual Gifts
As you read the list above, did you recognize one or more unique characteristics (spiritual gift) that describes you? It is important for every believer to know what their spiritual gift is so they can utilize it and minister to others. Knowing your gift is just the beginning. Understanding it's manifestations and how to use it takes some time and discernment.
Your gift was given to you so that you might minister to the body of Christ and/or win others to Christ. For example, my friend Betsy has the gift of mercy ... she will cry with you and feel your pain. Judy has a servant's heart ... when Tommy spills the milk she is the first one to hop up and sop up the mess ... Tony has the gift of teaching and he can take a very difficult concept and bring it right down to earth making it so applicable. God will use your spiritual gift (as His hands, feet and mouth) to share the good news and to bless many. There are more spiritual gifts listed in scripture, but this hubs purpose is to delve into the gift of Discernment.
Gifted with Discernment?
How do you know if you have been gifted with discernment? Those who possess the spiritual gift of discernment have the ability to see right through smokescreens and obstacles as they uncover the real truth.
The manifestations of this gift will help you to evaluate whether or not you possess it. Do you have a passion for truth? When you are placed in a situation where discernment is needed do you experience an uncanny sense of knowing? Do you have the ability to read between the lines? Are you skilled at uncovering wrong or evil? Do you have the ability to expose lies and bring them into the light of sound reason and truth?
If this depiction of discernment describes you, thank God for entrusting you with this extraordinary gift. There are many avenues to utilizing this ability. If you possess the gift of discernment you will have the aptitude to minister as ...
- a counselor
- arbitrator
- decision maker
- person in leadership
- and more
Every Church is blessed with members who possess the gift of discernment. God uses those gifted to discern truth from lies; pure motives from evil intentions; and to help to settle disputes by communicating a clear picture of what the truth is.
Beware of Arrogance
Those who have been gifted with discernment may be tempted to feel superior or to take personal credit. Beware of pride, arrogance and the pitfalls of claiming the gift as inherent to you rather than bestowed by God. A spiritual gift is a treasure to be cherished. Use it to honor God and bless the people God brings into your life.
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I've known for a long time that Discernment is my gift, although Satan did a fantastic job of making it a curse for a long time before I understood the truth! Very little is said about this gift in the Bible, and even less is written accurately about it. You've come closer than anyone I've read thus far. :-)
It's both a blessing and a great burden, because we sense, feel and know what's wrong with things--and people never like having it pointed out! Especially in this day and age when "positive thinking," political correctness and tolerance are expected of everyone, it's easier for most people to have the truth simply swept under the rug. Tolerance trumps truth.
And since these behavioral expectations are equally alive and well within most churches--where this gift is intended to be used--the net result is often hostility, discomfort and rejection, regardless of how gently observations may be made. I generally say very little, resorting to fervent prayer instead. It's still difficult, though, because I can't help looking "into" people instead of at them, regardless of how much I may want to (!) . . . they are often uncomfortable just meeting me (and don't have any idea why). I am also uncomfortable meeting people, as well, because I may look into their eyes and simply "know" that they have a deep problem with anger or pornography, or are hiding a dark secret, etc., etc. I may pass a complete stranger on the street and feel the full weight of their sorrow in a single glance.
I was joking with my Mother this week that I often feel like the Old Testament prophets who wandered around pointing out error and making predictions of doom and gloom (because we often see the future effect of current action as well). There is an uncomfortable parallel, truth be told (pun intended). :-)
I have read a few people now, who warn about arrogance as a potential pitfall, but I doubt it would be an issue, because we not only see the truth in others, we see it in ourselves! We can't escape it (how I'd love a vacation!) I know a number of people who share Discernment as a gift, and we all actually share something of a lack of value in our self-perceptions. In fact, we're probably much more likely to tell you all about our flaws, because they are part of the truth about us. (and I firmly believe that we all SHOULD be doing that. We are supposed to be bearing one anothers' burdens)
Lastly, the one thing absolutely everyone misses when they talk about this gift is that we are targets of Satan. The reason why is obvious, but spiritual oppression is simply a given. For anyone else similarly afflicted, music (good music) is an excellent help. A deep knowledge of Scripture and a solid grasp of Theology is also essential. Our "gut" is rarely wrong, but it's still wise to seek wisdom and Biblical principals. Staying close to God is also vital.
My heart goes out to others who know first-hand about the gift of Discernment. It's a hard one to bear, and if you have it, you understand . . . we're never going to be popular!
Yes I see it too - Kindred Spirits. Thank you for reading and adding to this hub. It is amazing how God works in and through us to bring us to the place where we see everything we have, every gift we possess comes from HIS hand in our lives "Every good and perfect gift comes from above." I continue to be amazed at God's patience with us. He has been working His will in me, in a profound way,this past year too. He continually teaches me that HE is God and I am not. As I absorb that truth I am able to let go of my own so called 'wisdom, understanding, insight etc.' and that is when the gifts He bestowed are used to bless.
I'm going to go to your hubs now and read about God speaking to you through your IPOD .. I'm intrigued and can't wait to hear your story.
God Bless you friend!
Mekenzie
Mekenzie ~
Loved this Hub again I find you very similar in thought to me. So proving God places others in our path. My favorite part of this was when you discussed pride. I was just thinking today about how people compliment me on certain things I say or do. I usually credit God and say thank you God for the words or ironically discernment to know what to do. My personal prayer is for daily discernment on His plan for my life. I feel the Holy Spirit in such a profound way this past year. My recent Hub discussed how I felt God was speaking to me through my IPOD. I know that may sound silly but I know you get it! Thank you for sharing and for reminding all of us to remember where all the credit lies. I heard today those who are so confident by their works to meet the Lord on judgement day. Should be humbled to know the best we can hope for is to be considered a good and faithful servant. Anything more would be pride. I hope we can all have the discernment to know the difference. God Bless
Alexis, The information above was written to help you determine if you have the gift of discernment. Read the part "Gifted with Discernment." Does that help?
God Bless You!
Mekenzie
I never knew what this was till my coworker started telling her mom about me and they said i am this but i have some doubts. Do you know of anyone i could see to tell me if i am or not? Thanks
Hi DeBorrah, so nice of you to stop by and read one of my older hubs. As I read it, I realized it needs some editing .. most of my time writing is spent in editing .. doing my best to be as clear as I know how. I love the study of the gift's of the spirit. Been quite awhile since I've written on the Hubs .. rarely have time these days. God will make a way when it is time.
God Bless you Sister!
Mekenzie
Mekenzie, This is a wonderful hub! Very insightful! Thank you for sharing, Peace & Blessings! God Bless You!
Hey Becky, Thanks for stopping by for a read and a word of encouragement.
God Bless YOU too!
Mekenzie
Awesome Hub detailing the spiritual gift of discernment. Thanks for sharing. God bless
heart .. we need each other in the body of Christ .. one is not better than the other .. as you say counterbalance .. we need each other! Thanks for your comments. :0)
Mekenzie
Yes, this is just one of the Spiritual Gifts. It is so awesome how God uses each of our gifts to compliment the other:) Even counterbalance our gifts, so that not one is more important than the other, as you mentioned. Great Hub, nice seeing a simple list, to question if you do have this gift of discernment:) God Bless You!
Well said sister in Christ. I much enjoyed this piece. Feel free to read any of the hubs I have. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you dear Skye for dropping by to read the hub. Thanks for the sweet encouragement. I am so glad our paths have crossed too and look forward to following your journey through your hubs. Blessings dear one.
Glory to God. This is a beautiful, very nice, honest,sincere hub.The words flow like fresh living water..It is awesome our paths have crossed. I see we have a mutual friend mattv.Keep writing girlfriend, Christ is going to use you in a mighty way. Glory to him. You are precious. Nighty Nite.
In Joy + + +
and the two shall become one... isn't it awesome how God puts two together to complement and complete each other.... also how, in the body of Christ, we are interdependant on one another to carry out our ministry here on earth. God Bless you Lori as you use your gifts for God's Glory!
Mekenzie,
When I took the spiritual gift assessment, discernment was toward the bottom of the list, so I have to be careful and am glad that my husband is more gifted in that area. My top five were administration, teaching, knowledge, faith, and service.
Lori
thank you matt - I wish you a very Merry Christmas as well. We will be having the whole family over and we always have a wonderful time. Blessings!
stopped by to wish you and your loved one a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. also thanks for sharing theee above.. nice.. very nice...
Mekenzie Hub Author 5 weeks ago
Linda, I appreciate hearing from someone who has been entrusted by God with the gift of discernment. I have observed that there seem to be levels or depth's with this gift. God calls us all, as believer's, to be discerning. The Holy Spirit gives us discernment when we seek wisdom and to see as He sees. But there are those, like you, who can look at a person and see inside their heads, so to speak. My daughter also has this gift and is rarely wrong. I have learned to listen to her when flags go off in her spirit.
I appreciate the extra insight of how this gift is perceived by others .. you are right, it is not politically correct to stand for truth in this day and age.
As believers we desire the Truth of God and our spirit longs to live in that truth. I am glad you pointed out the importance of knowing the word of God and having a solid grasp of Theology. Staying close to God is the only way to have peace and success in this life .. He is the vine, we are the branches ... without Him we can do NOTHING!
You've raised some important questions. How does God want us to use the gift He gave us? When do we expose the truth and when do we turn to God in fervent prayer on their behalf. How do we balance love and truth? Gal. 6:1 says "If someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted."
Oh that we would have a heart like this: Psalm 141:5 "Let a righteous man strike me--it is a kindness; let him rebuke me--it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it. Yet my prayer is ever against the deeds of evildoers;"
I am glad you are not tempted with pride ... your own self examination is refreshing. I have known people to be arrogant with whatever gift God has bestowed upon them. "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
Thank you for giving further insight as one who knows.
God Bless you and Grant you JOY!
Mekenzie