What Is Biblical Discernment?
One of the most critical and increasingly neglected virtues in the Body of Christ today is discernment. Discernment is not negativity. It is not suspicion. It is not fear-driven criticism or spiritual arrogance. Biblical discernment is the God-given ability to distinguish truth from error, spirit from flesh, and light from darkness, according to the Word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit. It is not an optional trait for a few; it is a mandate for the entire Church.
Hebrews 5:14 tells us, "But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil" (NASB1995).
Discernment is not a gift reserved for elite Believers; it is the fruit of spiritual maturity. A Church without discernment remains vulnerable, unstable, and easily influenced.
Why Discernment Is Needed Now More Than Ever
We are living in a time when spiritual language is common, but spiritual truth is often compromised. Not everything labeled "Christian" is Christ-centered. Not everything that sounds loving is rooted in truth. Not every spiritual experience originates with the Spirit of God.
Scripture warns us clearly: "See to it that no one misleads you" (Matthew 24:4 NASB1995).
"Test everything; hold fast to what is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21 NRSV)
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God." (1 John 4:1 NASB1995)
The Bible never assumes safety through sincerity alone. It repeatedly commands Believers to test, examine, and discern. Discernment is the guardrail that keeps the Church from drifting into deception while still walking in love. (Photo via Pexels)
What Discernment Is For
Discernment serves several essential purposes in the life of the Believer and the Church:
• It protects sound doctrine (1 Timothy 4:16).
• It reveals fruit rather than being impressed by gifting (Matthew 7:16–20).
• It safeguards unity without tolerating compromise (Ephesians 4:14–15).
• It enables Believers to walk wisely in a deceptive age (Colossians 1:9–10).
Paul prayed that the Church would grow in discernment, writing, "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent" (Philippians 1:9–10 NASB1995).
Notice that discernment is not the opposite of love; it is the expression of love informed by truth.
Discernment Is Not Judgment
In recent years, discernment has been frequently mislabeled as "being judgmental," and this accusation has intimidated many Believers into silence. However, Scripture does not support this confusion.
Jesus said, "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment" (John 7:24 NASB1995).
The Bible condemns hypocritical judgment and self-righteous condemnation, but it commands righteous judgment rooted in truth, humility, and love. We are not called to judge motives or condemn hearts; that belongs to the Lord alone. But we are commanded to discern fruit, doctrine, and direction. To refuse discernment is not humility; it is disobedience.
The Danger of Discernment Being Silenced
When discernment is silenced in the name of tolerance, deception thrives. When truth is withheld to avoid offense, error gains influence. When clarity is sacrificed for the appearance of unity, the Church becomes unstable. (Photo via Piqsels)
Paul warned the Church that a lack of discernment would result in Believers being "tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14 NASB).
Love without truth becomes compromised. Truth without love becomes harshness. But truth spoken in love brings freedom, stability, and growth.
A Call to Maturity in the Body of Christ
The hour demands a Church that is rooted in the Word, led by the Spirit, and unafraid of clarity. We must move beyond spiritual immaturity and into responsible stewardship of truth.
Discernment does not divide the Body of Christ; deception does. Discernment does not weaken the Church; it strengthens her.
Let us ask the Lord for hearts that remain humble, teachable, and courageous, for eyes that see clearly, and for wisdom to walk in both grace and truth.
"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete." (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB1995)
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Ryan Johnson
Ryan Johnson Ministries
Email:Â info@ryanjohnson.us
Website:Â www.ryanjohnson.usÂ
Ryan Johnson is dedicated in helping equip the Body of Christ to awaken the nations with a prophetic call of a rising Ekklesia. He is a son of God, husband, and father of four. Ryan has devoted his life to the righteousness of Christ, with the demonstration of the Father's heart in regions, individuals, and the Church across the world. Ryan is the author of Illegitimacy: The Battle Over Your Identity, How to Contend for Your Miracle, and Racism: The Church and The Nation. He has had many articles released through Charisma Magazine, Charisma News, The Elijah List, and Spirit Fuel. He has also appeared as a guest on The Shaun Tabatt Show, Elijah Streams, Engaging the Supernatural, and Sid Roth's It's Supernatural. Ryan is the host of The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast, an Instructor at Summit School of Revival, and travels throughout the United States and the Nations as a full-time itinerant minister.
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