Growing in discernment, conclusion

As we talk about discernment (some people simply call it wisdom) and sensing the "spirit" or motivations of people as they try to walk with Christ, one thing we should remember is to keep the "big picture" our priority.

Is what we are sensing really THAT important? Sometimes we get so wound up with a nugget of truth from the Spirit, that we think it's the most important subject on the planet. We forget that a word of discernment should be given one-on-one, not broadcast among the congregation, or among the small group we attend....
We run the risk of starting a distracting argument; arguments can produce lots of friction and very little edification!  The body of Christ is built on the foundation of His love; it continues to grow as we build up and edify other people with our words and actions. If we have the gift of discernment, we are mandated by the Spirit to enlighten and improve the whole body of Jesus.

For, after all, the important thing for us as Christians is not what we eat or drink but stirring up goodness and peace and joy from the Holy Spirit. 18 If you let Christ be Lord in these affairs, God will be glad; and so will others. 19 In this way aim for harmony in the church, and try to build each other up. (Romans 14:17-19)

The body of Christ is a mixture of the spiritually mature and those who are new to the faith. Choose to be sensitive instead of judgmental. What we see with our discerning eyes is important, but we may need to chill out. We are not Jesus - we are His vessels, and we are learning and growing each day. Make sure that when we approach someone with a word of discernment, that we keep the "big picture" in focus, too.

And here is probably the most important way to handle things: look at (and talk to) everyone through the lens of God's grace.

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:6)

Every interaction with others needs to be filled with grace. Our words can then empower people to get free of their struggles. Even "veteran" believers need to be reminded sometimes of who they are in Christ. It's not hard to tell someone what they are struggling with. It's entirely different to put those struggles in the right context. The gentle reminder of God's mercy can calm a struggling heart and strengthen it to endure.

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time,gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace,expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:1-10)

Are we seasoning our words with the "salt" of grace? Of compassion? Are we looking through the lens of grace as we try to help others? We must cultivate loving and gracious relationships with those we hope to help.

I hope this week's study has been helpful to all. Have a blessed weekend!