Thinking like Jesus requires the Holy Spirit. Are we listening to Him? Do we know how?

8 The righteous person is rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead.

What is meant by discernment of the Spirit?

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. ² This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, ³ but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. 1 John 4:1-3

Learning to determine what makes us feel a certain way is important, even vital. We have to ask, “Is it the Holy Spirit?” We know that He will never lead us in a way that is contrary to the Word of God. But, what if our understanding of the Word of God is incomplete, or even wrong? What if we are basing our opinion, even our conviction, upon something that we have been taught by society? Family? Even church? Could it be a lie of Satan?

NOW we know why studying the Word of God is so important, why getting together with other Christians and talking about passages and their meanings is so important, and why prayer is so important. Our connection with the Holy Spirit is paramount to our understanding of His Word and His Plan.

When confronted with a situation, consider these three questions for discernment:

1. Is it public? Dealing confrontationally in a public setting is dangerous. It puts the other person in a place where he cannot save face (his dignity); there is no “out” for him. He will usually fight. When possible, wait for a more private moment to confront.
2. Is it appropriate? Many times, I see something that is wrong, but I am not in a place to do anything about it. It’s not in my realm of influence or responsibility. I can pray about the matter and use it to help me not make the same mistake, but I have to trust that God will work good through the circumstances (even if they are taking the long way around).
3. Is it convenient? I’m not suggesting that we wait until our schedule clears. We must discern if the climate is right for learning. We may do better to leave (literally). Sometimes, the lack of our support will cause the person to desist. At a later date, we possibly can come back and discuss the matter with that person.

There is always the possibility that God calls us to speak up publicly. When we do, let’s make sure that we are prayed up and righteous. In other words, we CANNOT be angry, because “human anger does not produce the righteousness that God requires” (James 1:20). Let’s be known for our love and compassion. Trust me; we would be different than the world! Jesus said that we would be known as His disciples if we love, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples if you love one another” John 13:34-35.

Abba, may we love like You. As we attend church today, may Your Holy Spirit teach us discernment. May we practice on each other so that when we go out into the world, we will be good at it for Your name’s sake. We love You and want to be good representatives of You and Your name. Amen.