Messages from the Heart----Discernment Is a Gift to Steward

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Discernment Is a Gift to Steward

Many believers' desire greater discernment, but sometimes we misunderstand what discernment is and what God intends us to do with it. Biblical discernment is not fault-finding. It is not suspicion. It is not collecting information about others. Discernment is the God-given ability to recognize truth from error and to see situations through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 5:14 says, "But solid food belongs to those who are mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." (KJV)

At times, God may allow us to recognize an unhealthy pattern, a spiritual concern, or a situation that requires wisdom. The question then becomes, what should we do with what God has shown us? Too often people immediately feel compelled to talk about it. Yet many times God reveals something not for discussion but for prayer.

Discernment is a stewardship.

When the Lord reveals something, our first response should be:

• Pray
• Seek wisdom
• Ask God for direction
• Respond in love
• Protect what should remain confidential

The mature believer asks: "Lord, what are You showing me, and what do You want me to do with it?" Discernment always seeks restoration, and Paul writes, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness." Galatians 6:1 Notice the goal is not exposure. It is restoration. Before sharing something concerning that you have observed, consider these questions:

• Have I prayed about this first?
• Am I speaking to the right person?
• Is this for prayer or for discussion?
• Is my motivation love or judgment?
• Will sharing this help bring healing and restoration?

Jesus perfectly modeled this. He knew people's hearts, yet He never used that knowledge to embarrass, shame, or damage them. He responded with truth wrapped in grace. As believers, we must steward discernment carefully. The Lord does not entrust insight to us so that we can gain an audience. He entrusts insight to us so that we can partner with Him in prayer, wisdom, and restoration. May we become people who can be trusted with what God reveals. 

When God reveals something to you about another person, what is typically your first response: prayer or discussion?

This Week's Challenge: The next time you become aware of someone's struggle, spend five minutes praying for them before discussing the matter with anyone else.

Father,

Increase my discernment and teach me how to steward it well. Help me distinguish between discernment and suspicion. Give me a heart that seeks restoration rather than criticism and prayer rather than discussion. Let everything You reveal to me draw me closer to Your heart and produce wisdom, love, and humility.

 In Jesus' name, 

Amen.