Discernment

God gives us discernment. It's located in that place inside of us that says "That's wrong." More specifically, it is used to know if something we are told or taught lines up with the Word of God.

Discernment is "acuteness of judgment and understanding" (Dictionary.com).

When it's linked to our actions, I think it's more commonly referred to as one's conscience, but today I'm just talking about teachings.

If the pastor is teaching something from the Word of God, and it strikes the wrong chord in your heart, that's discernment. Just because someone quotes a Bible verse, doesn't mean they're teaching it correctly. Now, I think for the most part, preachers don't deliberately teach incorrectly. Still, it's important for us to read God's Word so that we know what it says. That way, we'll be able to find specific passages that can teach us why what we heard or thought was wrong.

I sometimes pray for discernment. This happened especially when I was trying to find a church after I moved. I prayed that God would lead me to the church He wanted me to attend, and that He would give me wisdom and discernment to know it.

If anyone misquotes a Bible verse, we should be able to tell. Even if I haven't read that particular verse, something in me will speak up and say "That's not right." Discernment. It's much easier to know for sure if I've read the verse though.

So, that's it for today's post. It's important to read The Bible so that we know what it says. God gives us discernment so that we know the truth.
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"I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes" (Psalm 119:125).