S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Discernment is defined as "the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure; an act of perceiving something; a power to see what is not evident to the average mind." The definition...

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July 01 2013 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Cherie Mitchell Supporter

Pray. Ask and you shall receive. Be humble when you do receive it. I definitely agree with James 1:5.

October 09 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

George Fitt Supporter Spiritual Gift of Discernment

Discernment is one of the spiritual gifts given the elect when they receive the Holy Spirit.

The ability to discern the meaning of scripture is provided by the in-dwelling Holy Spirit when believers persevere through trials of faith. In other words, we are taught the meaning of scripture by the Holy Spirit through discernment as a result of persevering through trials of faith. James 1:2-4

If a believer doesn't understand the meaning of a passage in scripture, he/she is to ask God for wisdom (discernment) in faith and God will provide the answer provided the believer doesn't doubt God will provide the answer. James 1:5-6

Since the Epistle of James was the first letter to the Church and this is the first instruction of James, therefore this is the first thing a believer should know, i.e. how do I learn (know and understand) what God is saying in His Word?

We are to grow in knowledge and understanding by this way, which is called "perfecting the saints."

Failing to grow in knowledge and understanding causes believers to remain "little children" as called by the apostle John.

August 30 2025 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

How can I increase my spiritual discernment?

Growing in spiritual discernment is about letting God shape how you see, choose, and respond. It is a quiet work He does in the heart, but you can intentionally open yourself to it.

Start by anchoring yourself in Scripture. God's Word trains your inner senses. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." When you spend time in Scripture, you begin to recognise what carries God's tone, His wisdom, and His character. Discernment becomes less about guessing and more about recognising what already feels familiar.

Discernment also grows through prayer that invites the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts. Instead of rushing through requests, sit long enough to let your heart settle. 

James 1:5 reminds us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God." Wisdom and discernment often come as quiet clarity—an inner steadiness that wasn't there before.

Another way God sharpens discernment is through obedience in everyday choices. When you respond to His nudges—choosing truth, extending grace, stepping away from what dulls your Spirit—you become more sensitive to His leading. 

Jesus said in John 14:21, "Whoever has my commands and keeps them… I will show myself to them." Obedience opens your eyes.

It also helps to walk with people who sincerely pursue God. 

Their insight can steady you when your emotions or circumstances feel loud. Proverbs 19:20 says, "Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom." God often uses the counsel of mature believers to confirm what He is already stirring in you.

Finally, discernment deepens as the fruit of the Spirit grows within you. Galatians 5 describes qualities like peace, patience, gentleness, and self‑control. These are not just virtues—they are signs that your inner life is becoming more aligned with God. 

When His Spirit shapes your heart, you naturally sense what leads toward Him and what pulls you away.

Spiritual discernment does not arrive all at once. It grows as you stay close to God, respond to His voice, and let His Word shape your inner world. 

Over time, His guidance becomes clearer, His peace becomes your compass, and His truth becomes the way you navigate life.

Summarising the topic

Spiritual discernment grows as your heart becomes more tuned to God's presence and direction. It begins with a willing spirit—Psalm 143:10 says, "Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God." Discernment strengthens when you let the Holy Spirit shape your inner life, guiding your thoughts and responses. 

Hebrews 5:14 speaks of those who "have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." As you walk closely with God, stay attentive to His peace, remain honest before Him, and let His Spirit refine your instincts. Over time, your ability to sense His leading becomes clearer and steadier.

9 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report