Spiritual Gift - Discernment

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Earthly Example

Some people can just sense when something isn't right. They know what a bad deal is going down or if someone is lying. A lot of times a judge in court will be able to see right through someone. Sometimes certain people can tell if a salesman is lying about a product. Sometimes a teacher can tell when someone is lying about something.

Spiritual Explanation

Spiritually, the gift of discernment is all about being able to tell if something is from God, from man, or from the enemy (the devil or his spirits). Sometimes God will tell you when something just doesn't feel right about something someone is saying or something you read. Pray for discernment and for God to show you the truth. No matter if you have this gift or not, the closer you are to God, the more easily you will be able to hear His voice.

Biblical Example

• There are many examples in the Bible where Jesus knew the thoughts of people's hearts. (Matthew 12:25)
• He knew when they were trying to trap him or when they were telling a lie. (Matthew 22:15-22) 
• The Bible says to test the spirits to see if they are from God. (1 John 4:1) 
• Paul spoke the truth by the Holy Spirit. (Romans 9) 
• Peter, by the Holy Spirit, knew that Ananias and his wife Sapphira had lied. (Acts 5)