A New Kind of Discipline Pt. 4: Discernment

“But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice…” — Hebrews 5:14

“Test everything; hold fast what is good.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:21

In a culture dominated by opinions, emotions, and half-truths, discernment is often mistaken for intuition or suspicion. But biblical discernment is neither cynical nor merely intellectual. Discernment is spiritual. It is cultivated through truth, anchored in love, and formed in community. It requires training, not just talent.

Hebrews 5:14 shows us that discernment is a mark of maturity. It is developed through spiritual practice. It is the ability to recognize not just what is wrong, but what is best in a world of endless options. And Paul, in 1 Thessalonians, reminds us that discernment is also relational: we test, we hold fast, and we help one another grow into what is good and godly.

The Relational Call of Discernment

Discernment isn’t just for personal decisions. It is a relational discipline. Discernment looks at how we respond to one another with wisdom, compassion, and clarity. It invites us to ask:

• Does this build others up or tear them down?

• Is this motivated by love or fear?

• Am I seeing clearly, or through the fog of assumption and bias?

Practicing discernment in community helps us avoid gossip, polarization, and rash judgment. It nurtures patience, clarity, and truth in love.

Discernment Can Be Uncomfortable

Sometimes, discernment surfaces not as clarity but as tension. You may sense something is off, maybe a subtle unease or a check in your spirit. Often this happens when someone is hiding sin or walking in deception, and your soul perceives what their words don’t say. This is not about suspicion or playing the Holy Spirit, but paying attention when the Spirit gives you pause.

Biblical discernment leads us to prayer, not paranoia. If you feel this tension, ask God to reveal the truth gently and to give you wisdom to respond in love. Don’t ignore that holy discomfort. Let it guide you into deeper trust, slower reactions, and Spirit-led action.

Discernment in a Noisy World

Discernment is crucial in the social, political, and cultural spaces we inhabit every day. In an age of information overload, emotional manipulation, and ideological pressure, Christians are called to more than reaction. We are called to wise engagement and to see clearly, speak carefully, and act courageously.

It’s tempting to confuse boldness with righteousness, or silence with virtue. But neither fear nor fury are reliable guides for spiritual discernment. Instead, Scripture calls us to test everything and hold fast to what is good, especially when the stakes are high and the voices are loud.

Relational discernment is just as essential in conversations around hot-button issues like race, gender, politics, justice, and truth-telling. Sometimes, the loudest opinion in the room is not the most righteous one. And sometimes, silence can be complicity rather than peace.

Discernment in these areas invites deeper questions:

• Is this issue being framed truthfully or manipulatively?

• Am I more loyal to a political tribe than the Kingdom of God?

• Is this action fueled by love, or just my fear dressed up as conviction?

• How do I reflect Christ not just in what I believe—but in how I carry and communicate that belief?

Discerning Deception and Manipulation

In both personal and public relationships, discernment helps us recognize when something isn’t right, even if it sounds spiritual or looks successful. Paul warned the Corinthians that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Not every “Christian” voice is trustworthy. Not every platformed leader is walking in truth. Not every friend has your best interest at heart.

When discernment reveals manipulation, abuse, or deceit, the call is not to instantly confront, but to wisely respond. That often means:

• Pausing to pray before reacting.

• Seeking counsel from trusted, spiritually grounded mentors.

• Measuring every claim and impulse against the character of Christ.

Discernment means social and spiritual sobriety. It allows us to love wisely, not naively. It protects us from being swayed by charisma, guilt, or groupthink.

Discernment in Community and Culture

We live in a time when many people are “discipled” more by media, memes, and influencers than by Jesus. That makes discernment essential for both formation and witness. It’s how we remain in the world but not of it. Like Jesus taught, being “wise as serpents, gentle as doves”.

In a culture quick to label and cancel, discernment helps us:

• Name injustice without being swept into bitterness.

• Stand for truth without self-righteousness.

• Love neighbors without compromising convictions.

• Engage with complexity without losing clarity.

  
  

The spiritually discerning person doesn’t avoid tension. They enter it prayerfully, with clarity, humility, and a steady grip on Jesus.

Discernment as a Spiritual Discipline

Discernment is not automatic. It grows as we immerse ourselves in Scripture, walk with the Spirit, and reflect on God’s character. As we mature, we learn to distinguish between:

• What is urgent and what is important

• What is good and what is best

• What is God’s voice and what is just noise

Discernment, like all spiritual disciplines, takes practice. We don’t become discerning overnight, but we can train our senses to see and respond as Jesus would.

How to Practice the Discipline of Discernment

1. Immerse in Scripture. God’s Word is the foundation for all discernment. The more familiar we are with His truth, the clearer our vision becomes.

2. Pray for Wisdom. James 1:5 tells us to ask for wisdom, and God will give it. Discernment starts with humility, recognizing our need for God’s guidance.

3. Slow Down Your Reactions. Discernment often begins in the pause. Give yourself time to reflect, examine motives, and test your assumptions before responding.

4. Seek Wise Counsel. Discernment is not isolated. God often speaks through the wisdom of others. Invite trusted believers into your questions and concerns.

5. Test Everything with the Spirit’s Help. The Holy Spirit helps us discern truth from error (1 John 4:1). Trust His leading and be open to conviction.

Reflection Questions

• Where in my life do I need greater discernment?

• Am I reacting emotionally or responding prayerfully?

• Who are the wise people I can invite into my decision-making?

• How can I practice discernment with others instead of against them?

• What tension or check in my spirit might God be using to draw my attention?