Discernment = seeing the unseen with spiritual insight
From LifeLift Assessment D = Spiritual Gifts
Discerning of spirits is another manifestation of the Holy Spirit working through the people of God. True discernment doesn’t just see what’s happening on the surface level; it empowers someone to see the motives and intents behind what’s happening.
A person with a developed gift of discernment might recognize something regarding a person, something relevant to a situation, or even something related to a move of the Spirit. And, they’ll be able to determine if something is holy or unholy.
They will often have unique insight as to how the Lord is moving— even in situations where it’s difficult to see Him moving at all. Many times, they’ll get a “sense” or “feel” about something— even if they can’t exactly articulate what it is. They’ll just know.
What’s the difference between faith and discernment?
Well, faith often looks forward. It anticipates something that God will do. Discernment, on the other hand, looks at the present— at the “here and now.”
In addition, faith often expresses itself as belief. Discernment expresses itself as insight.
Think about it like this—
- Faith = belief for the future
- Discernment = insight in the present
For more in discernment see Matthew 16:21-23, Acts 5:1-11, Acts 16:16-18, 1 Corinthians 12:10, I John 4:1-6.
