1. Discernment grows through practice.
Hebrews 5:14. “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14, ESV)
So let’s step forward, try stuff, and take risks! Discernment’s wisdom is the fruit of sowing the loving seeds of constant practice, of awkward first steps, of repeatedly trying.
2. Discernment trends positively.
Philippians 1:9 “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9–11, ESV)
Discernment’s purpose is not to hurt, condemn, be sour, or suspicious. Godly discernment:
- compels love to abound and flourish
- looks for and approves the excellent
- sees the hope of glory in each person
We see no one after old, dead human evaluations. (2 Corinthians 5:16) Thinking and speaking the truth in love, we long for and listen to find the “Yes!” and to let go of the distracting, damning, dividing, “No.”
We slow down with Holy Spirit love to build one another up in the holiest of our faith. We are quicker to hear, slower to speak, and slower to anger. We want to giv’m Heaven, not Hell!
Please, invest a few moments of your precious time into Connections Community by leaving your Comment about this post below. And/or email me directly and privately at john@simplechurchsuccess.com.
Giv’m Heaven!
John Parker
Merced, California
209.726.0119
photo credit: http://www.dowryhouse.org.uk/spiritual-growth/discernment/
This led me to remember the old hymn “Make Me a Blessing” by George Shuler and Ira Wilson! Thanks, John. I have more room for improvement.
Out in the high-ways and by-ways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
https://lyricstranslate.com
Thank you, Janet! Yes! Discern up! Make me a Blessing and a Blesser!
We see no one after old, dead human evaluations. what did you mean John?
Thanks for asking, Brent. It’s from 2 Corinthians 5:16. I got a little too fancy! LOL!
“From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.” (2 Corinthians 5:16, ESV)
We see not with the old but with the new eyes of Christ. Does that make sense now? Thank you for your clarifying question.
Great “hearing” from you! Go UMC and MT. John