How can we work on discernment?
Discussion question for February 25, 2011.
The first part of discernment is to recognize good from evil which is important for sanctification. But we are called to be Christ-like which requires discernment of another person’s preferable future. How can you train yourself to see the potential in another? What can you do to demonstrate that knowledge? How can you obey “do not judge” while exercising the gift of discernment? What impact would this have on your family, your church, and your community?
Here’s my summary of our discussion.
The most important thing to do for increasing discernment without condemning is to forgive. If I harbor bitterness in my heart against another person, then I will condemn that person for that offense and they will remain stuck in that identity forever, as far as I am concerned. A similar challenge occurs if I carry an offense done by a different person that predisposes me to stereotype others in the same way. So, to forgive the offense and release the offender is the first step in clearing my grid.
Discernment and judgment are similar when we view others in the natural realm, and then judgment has the added characteristic of condemnation. To be able to discern someone’s preferable future requires seeing things through the supernatural. They may be stuck in their sin on their own, but they are free indeed through the redemptive work of Christ. We must see them as that finished product in order to understand their preferable future.
This is different than “holding out hope for judgment” which is the rose colored glasses method of seeing only the good in people. It is not truth to ignore sin, nor is it helpful to make excuses for them. The only way to see Truth is through the lenses of the supernatural.
An example of this can be taken from the parable of the prodigal son. The prodigal saw himself as a sinner, slave, loser, and condemned person. The older brother saw him with judgment and locked him into that same identity. The father, on the other hand, was able to see the prodigal as the son he was born to be with a preferable future of hope and acceptance.
When we see others through this lens we can speak prophetically to them about their preferable future. This can speak against their own bondage to that shamed identity. It can also speak against the bondage they are held in by the opinion of others. One hopeful and helpful comment may make all the difference to them, even into eternity.