Discernment is a gift of the Holy Spirit which follows the virtues of prudence and wisdom. It is deeper than these two and can be likened to instinct in nature. Animals, birds, and fish are born with instincts which help them survive in the wild. These instincts also dictate behavioral patterns such as the swallows’ return to Capistrano every year.

In the spiritual realm, discernment is a necessity in distinguishing good from evil. Many never obtain the depth of this virtue. They mistake evil for good and vice versa. Discernment—to be real—comes from deep within the soul. It cannot be fingered or indexed. It is a feeling from within. It is not unlike viewing several fine paintings, but feeling from within that one is better than all the rest because it is painted in a more skillful, masterly way.

Discernment mounts from many spiritual experiences. There is danger then, when someone presumes they have discernment because they have other gifts, or thinks they have other gifts. Many have been led astray in this way. Many who should have this gift, because they are in positions of authority, do not. Discernment is not synonymous with authority. It is not rash judgment based on leaping to conclusions. It is an opinion based on sifting out the truth from falsehood. It is like a ship’s compass holding the vessel on course. Discernment keeps your soul on track of good.

Many proclaim this gift, feign this gift, and presume to have this gift. These are the ones to beware of. These are the ones who, in reality, have only spiritual pride. True discernment is like a gourmet palate which, when introduced to a fine wine, recognizes and appreciates the depth and richness of it. The gourmet does not make a snap judgment. Rather, he savors the wine slowly, allowing it to interact with the sensitive taste buds—a gift God has given him. There is nothing superficial about the conclusion he draws concerning the wine. He does not base his conclusion on preconceived opinions, but on the experience of his own interaction with the wine.

How true this is in regard to spiritual discernment. So often pride is the judge, and the gift of discernment is not even present. Messages from Heaven must touch the soul. They must interact with the spirit. Like fine wine, they must be savored—their essence felt before a conclusion is drawn.

So much damage is done by those who proclaim faulty discernment. It is an important tool in the hands of Satan—a tool he uses freely to destroy much of Heaven’s work. It is only through pride he can succeed in this.

Peoples’ opinions are not the same as the gift of discernment, though they may be presented as such. Beware!

To conclude we can say that true discernment is inspired by the Holy Spirit, supports and defends the Truth of God, does not allow human emotion to rule its final opinion, is unbiased, and seeks ALL information and carefully prays for discernment.

False discernment is a product of human intelligence, convolutes the truth to suit a personal agenda, has a preconceived opinion and seeks to support it, and judges rashly.

this comes from Holy Love Ministries