Just wondering...

[cma]

Does anyone have or know another Christian with the spiritual gift of discernment?

I have come to believe I have the gift. It started in 2020. I have been a Christian since 2007 but never really had a church home. I am looking for one now, because being a Christian with discernment during these changing times is very discouraging. I need the body of Christ so much right now. 

I had hoped this gift would be useful and appropriate for the church, I mean a local church, because it can become very disheartening when I'm among unbelievers. I got into the habit of being judgemental and condemning toward unbelievers. Because of what I can sense. 

I know now it's not right to be judgemental, even if you can see past the surface, I'm supposed to forgive if they offend me and not make an entire estimation of a person's state just because they are being particularly hostile to me. That took a while to learn. 

So I'm wondering why it's so hard to be accepted in a church, seemingly, because of my spiritual gift. I really thought Christians would welcome it or might even respect it, but I kinda get the same reaction even from Christians. It's not taken kindly. I might just be weird too, I am kinda awkward and don't have the best social skills (so I've been told). And I can see, I can understand, why it might seem inappropriate as someone new to a church, to come in with that gift, simply because they just don't know you. 

Well, my hope is to find someone who can understand all of this. It's overwhelming trying to get by without a church. I want a safe space where discernment can be a good thing and not a nuisance or an invitation for spiritual warfare. Well, that's kind of the reality in the times we live in. But I hope it would helpful to find someone who can identify with the same struggle. 

Even if you just have a word of encouragement it would be much appreciated. 

Thanks for listening. 

[Michael37]

1 hour ago, cma said:

Does anyone have or know another Christian with the spiritual gift of discernment?

I have come to believe I have the gift. It started in 2020. I have been a Christian since 2007 but never really had a church home. I am looking for one now, because being a Christian with discernment during these changing times is very discouraging. I need the body of Christ so much right now. 

I had hoped this gift would be useful and appropriate for the church, I mean a local church, because it can become very disheartening when I'm among unbelievers. I got into the habit of being judgemental and condemning toward unbelievers. Because of what I can sense. 

I know now it's not right to be judgemental, even if you can see past the surface, I'm supposed to forgive if they offend me and not make an entire estimation of a person's state just because they are being particularly hostile to me. That took a while to learn. 

So I'm wondering why it's so hard to be accepted in a church, seemingly, because of my spiritual gift. I really thought Christians would welcome it or might even respect it, but I kinda get the same reaction even from Christians. It's not taken kindly. I might just be weird too, I am kinda awkward and don't have the best social skills (so I've been told). And I can see, I can understand, why it might seem inappropriate as someone new to a church, to come in with that gift, simply because they just don't know you. 

Well, my hope is to find someone who can understand all of this. It's overwhelming trying to get by without a church. I want a safe space where discernment can be a good thing and not a nuisance or an invitation for spiritual warfare. Well, that's kind of the reality in the times we live in. But I hope it would helpful to find someone who can identify with the same struggle. 

Even if you just have a word of encouragement it would be much appreciated. 

Thanks for listening. 

Hi @cma

I put the word discernment in the Worthy search function to see what other threads we had here about this subject, and found quite a lot of mentions of discernment being expected and encouraged of all Christians, and the distinction made between this and the gift of discerning of spirits, which can be a one-time endowment or an endowment bearing fruit as an acknowledged ministry.

The distinction lies in their scope and purpose:

1. General Discernment: This is a broader ability to judge well, often guided by wisdom and understanding. For believers, it is influenced by the Holy Spirit and helps in making sound decisions, recognizing truth, and avoiding deception. It's a skill that can be developed over time through experience and spiritual growth.

2. Gift of Discerning of Spirits: This is a specific spiritual gift mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:10. It enables a person to distinguish between the Holy Spirit, human spirits, and demonic spirits. This gift is not about general judgment but about identifying the spiritual source behind actions, words, or events. It is given by the Holy Spirit for the benefit of the church, often to protect against false teachings or spiritual attacks.

Here are some examples of general discernment and the gift of discerning of spirits in the Bible:

General Discernment

1. Solomon's Wisdom: In 1 Kings 3:16-28, Solomon demonstrates discernment when two women claim to be the mother of the same child. His wise judgment reveals the true mother.
2. Paul's Advice: In Acts 27:9-11, Paul discerns the danger of sailing during a stormy season, offering practical advice to avoid disaster.

Gift of Discerning of Spirits

1. Jesus and Peter: In Matthew 16:23, Jesus discerns that Peter's words are influenced by Satan and rebukes him, saying, "Get behind me, Satan!"
2. Paul and the Slave Girl: In Acts 16:16-18, Paul discerns that a slave girl’s fortune-telling is powered by an evil spirit and casts it out.

These examples highlight the difference: general discernment involves wisdom and judgment, while the gift of discerning of spirits identifies spiritual influences. 

The rule of all interactions and ministry is that the gifts of the Spirit are diminished unless accompanied by the fruit of the Spirit.

 Gal 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  (23)  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

[cma]

Yes, My gift is the gift of the discerning of spirits. Only until recently have I understood the great need for me to have meekness toward others, Christians and unbelievers alike. I have only had this gift 5 years all of which I spent living with unbelievers. It took a toll on me and I became very hardened toward unbelievers in general. It is a gift, my lack in the spiritual fruits has made it unmanageable. I mean, I don’t know what to do with it. But it’s there nevertheless. I hoped that it might be of some good to Christians or at church, meaning it would be a safe space to have the gift, not necessarily  minister, that it would be a good experience just because I would be around others who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and I wouldn’t be harassed for it (like with unbelievers).  I think that is good advice as I see now why it hasnt benefited me or anyone else I know. 

[timf]

There are several possibilities. This first may be that spiritual gifts has ceased in the present time. Hebrews speaks of them as a "taste" of the power of the age to come. Hebrews also speaks of discernment as something that has to be "exercised" and associated with maturity.

Most churches are denominational. They present their doctrine as correct, complete, and final. These would not welcome anyone who would suggest the need for any change or suggestion of any error.

Part of discernment would be to know when sharing an observation would be helpful or not. Most people (Christians included) feel complete and in no need of any change. They are not seeking answers and often resent questions.

The bible says that those who wish to live godly will suffer persecution. The Greek word for persecution means to be put to flight. If the mere presence of someone trying to live godly is so offensive to others, imagine what the reaction would be to being told something godly.

If you have discernment, even if it is not a supernatural gift, you may keep exercising it, but spare yourself the expectation that you will find a church or others waiting for you to share it.

Here is a free pdf booklet touching on some to the deceptions Satan has filled the world with. It can be helpful for those just starting to sharpen their own discernment called, "Everything You Know is Wrong.

https://christianpioneer.com/ebooks/etwrong 15.pdf

The world (particularly the church) can benefit from drawing closer to truth (Jesus who is truth). I would exhort you to continue to exercise discernment as well as to encourage others, but understand that you may not often find others responsive.

[Starise]

On 4/30/2025 at 4:29 PM, cma said:

Does anyone have or know another Christian with the spiritual gift of discernment?

I have come to believe I have the gift. It started in 2020. I have been a Christian since 2007 but never really had a church home. I am looking for one now, because being a Christian with discernment during these changing times is very discouraging. I need the body of Christ so much right now. 

I had hoped this gift would be useful and appropriate for the church, I mean a local church, because it can become very disheartening when I'm among unbelievers. I got into the habit of being judgemental and condemning toward unbelievers. Because of what I can sense. 

I know now it's not right to be judgemental, even if you can see past the surface, I'm supposed to forgive if they offend me and not make an entire estimation of a person's state just because they are being particularly hostile to me. That took a while to learn. 

So I'm wondering why it's so hard to be accepted in a church, seemingly, because of my spiritual gift. I really thought Christians would welcome it or might even respect it, but I kinda get the same reaction even from Christians. It's not taken kindly. I might just be weird too, I am kinda awkward and don't have the best social skills (so I've been told). And I can see, I can understand, why it might seem inappropriate as someone new to a church, to come in with that gift, simply because they just don't know you. 

Well, my hope is to find someone who can understand all of this. It's overwhelming trying to get by without a church. I want a safe space where discernment can be a good thing and not a nuisance or an invitation for spiritual warfare. Well, that's kind of the reality in the times we live in. But I hope it would helpful to find someone who can identify with the same struggle. 

Even if you just have a word of encouragement it would be much appreciated. 

Thanks for listening. 

It is only my opinion that people who have these gifts generally don't advertise they have them. If we have the Holy Spirit living in us I think we all can lean into the Spirit for advice. In that capacity it really isn't exclusive. The bible also tells us there is both wheat and tares in the church. In that description God is hands off until the time comes for judgement. Even so, some of us see the tares and mostly keep quiet about it. This requires wisdom. Sometimes it needs to be dealt with. 

Obviously anyone showing up at a church as a tare flagger will raise eyebrows. You seem to be an introverted personality which is often a highly sensitive individual. You pick up on things others will often miss. Use your gift as he Lord leads. Don't advertise it. I get things from people often that are both good and bad. I am not super human, just gifted observant....maybe? For instance, I was talking to a woman from another group recently who came to our church as part of a prophetic group. I asked her if I could get into their training program. She told me that she would tell our pastor so I would know when to get involved. Immediately I knew she was lying. Don't know how I knew. Was it the Holy Spirit or something else? No one ever told my pastor anything. She didn't want to bother with me.

If my assumptions about you are correct, you can read rooms and people very well. I was in a group the other night, supposedly a Christian group and I got a very negative vibe from this one person there. He didn't say much but I could feel it coming from him.He ignored me intentionally. Our hunches are almost always correct. What would you do with that? I  decided to do nothing, but I filed it away for future reference.

After all, we are here to encourage, lift up and help each other. You made a good point in wondering how to best use the 'gift' you think you have. We can also see positive qualities in people. We can see when someone is down and needs encouragement. We are often helpers, encouragers. People open up to us on occasion when they won't open up to anyone else. That's because we listen and care. We try to be helpful. Sometimes being helpful is simply listening. We can pray for those negative vibe people. Ask for wisdom in navigating them.

Wisdom in all things. 

 

 

 

[Live2believe]

On 4/30/2025 at 6:20 PM, cma said:

Yes, My gift is the gift of the discerning of spirits. Only until recently have I understood the great need for me to have meekness toward others, Christians and unbelievers alike. I have only had this gift 5 years all of which I spent living with unbelievers. It took a toll on me and I became very hardened toward unbelievers in general. It is a gift, my lack in the spiritual fruits has made it unmanageable. I mean, I don’t know what to do with it. But it’s there nevertheless. I hoped that it might be of some good to Christians or at church, meaning it would be a safe space to have the gift, not necessarily  minister, that it would be a good experience just because I would be around others who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and I wouldn’t be harassed for it (like with unbelievers).  I think that is good advice as I see now why it hasnt benefited me or anyone else I know. 

Could you please give one-two examples of how you discern the spirits?

[Duck22]

1 Corinthians chapter 2.  Talks about the difference between carnal minded people and spiritual Christian people.  Carnal minded people are devoid of the holy Spirit. 

Those led by the Spirit have Holy Spirit.  Its guidance and discernment.  1 Corinthians chapter 12.  Other gifts are knowledge and wisdom.  Tongues.  Body of Christ has different gifts.    

Discernment. If you have holy Spirit. ?  

[cma]

On 5/13/2025 at 6:18 AM, Starise said:

It is only my opinion that people who have these gifts generally don't advertise they have them. If we have the Holy Spirit living in us I think we all can lean into the Spirit for advice. In that capacity it really isn't exclusive. The bible also tells us there is both wheat and tares in the church. In that description God is hands off until the time comes for judgement. Even so, some of us see the tares and mostly keep quiet about it. This requires wisdom. Sometimes it needs to be dealt with. 

Obviously anyone showing up at a church as a tare flagger will raise eyebrows. You seem to be an introverted personality which is often a highly sensitive individual. You pick up on things others will often miss. Use your gift as he Lord leads. Don't advertise it. I get things from people often that are both good and bad. I am not super human, just gifted observant....maybe? For instance, I was talking to a woman from another group recently who came to our church as part of a prophetic group. I asked her if I could get into their training program. She told me that she would tell our pastor so I would know when to get involved. Immediately I knew she was lying. Don't know how I knew. Was it the Holy Spirit or something else? No one ever told my pastor anything. She didn't want to bother with me.

If my assumptions about you are correct, you can read rooms and people very well. I was in a group the other night, supposedly a Christian group and I got a very negative vibe from this one person there. He didn't say much but I could feel it coming from him.He ignored me intentionally. Our hunches are almost always correct. What would you do with that? I  decided to do nothing, but I filed it away for future reference.

After all, we are here to encourage, lift up and help each other. You made a good point in wondering how to best use the 'gift' you think you have. We can also see positive qualities in people. We can see when someone is down and needs encouragement. We are often helpers, encouragers. People open up to us on occasion when they won't open up to anyone else. That's because we listen and care. We try to be helpful. Sometimes being helpful is simply listening. We can pray for those negative vibe people. Ask for wisdom in navigating them.

Wisdom in all things. 

 

 

 

Thanks for your input. 

[cma]

On 5/13/2025 at 4:29 PM, Duck22 said:

1 Corinthians chapter 2.  Talks about the difference between carnal minded people and spiritual Christian people.  Carnal minded people are devoid of the holy Spirit. 

Those led by the Spirit have Holy Spirit.  Its guidance and discernment.  1 Corinthians chapter 12.  Other gifts are knowledge and wisdom.  Tongues.  Body of Christ has different gifts.    

Discernment. If you have holy Spirit. ?  

I’m not sure what you are asking…yes, I have the Holy Spirit, I am a Christian, it is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

[cma]

On 5/13/2025 at 7:59 AM, Live2believe said:

Could you please give one-two examples of how you discern the spirits?

Well, I feel maybe I shared too much. Maybe these forums are not the best place to over share about that. I don’t wanna sound like I’m spilling so much information out just in hopes I might meet someone the same. Probably not the best idea. I don’t wanna share just for the sake of sharing. I wanted to meet someone with the same gift. That’s all.