Pastoral Messages by Matriarch Elnette Edwards
Precious ones,
Discernment is the ability to distinguish between truth and error, good and evil, God’s voice and other voices. It’s spiritual wisdom that sees beneath the surface, recognizes what’s truly happening, and makes judgments based on divine insight rather than human observation alone. In an age of deception and confusion, discernment is essential.
The Bible tells us that mature believers have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Discernment isn’t automatic—it’s developed through practice, relationship with God, and experience. The more time we spend with God, the more we recognize His voice and spot counterfeits.
I’ve learned that discernment requires spiritual sensitivity. We must pay attention to the Holy Spirit’s promptings—that check in our spirit, that unease we feel, that wisdom that comes seemingly from nowhere. God speaks to our spirits, and we must tune our hearts to hear Him. Sometimes discernment is just knowing that something isn’t right, even when you can’t articulate why.
Discernment has protected me countless times. There have been opportunities that looked good on the surface—partnerships, invitations, opportunities—but something in my spirit said “no.” When I honored that discernment, I later learned there were problems I couldn’t have known naturally. God sees what we can’t, and when we’re sensitive to His Spirit, He warns and guides us.
But discernment isn’t about being suspicious or judgmental. Some people confuse criticism with discernment. They’re quick to find fault, question motives, and assume the worst. That’s not discernment—that’s cynicism. True discernment is marked by wisdom, grace, and a desire to help, not harm. It identifies problems to address them redemptively, not to condemn.
Discernment is especially crucial regarding teaching and spiritual influence. The Bible warns us that false teachers will arise, that wolves come in sheep’s clothing, that Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. We must test everything against Scripture, evaluate fruit, and be wise about who we allow to influence us spiritually.
I’ve watched people follow charismatic leaders without discernment and experience devastating consequences. They were attracted to personality, gifting, or promises without discerning character, doctrine, or fruit. Discernment asks hard questions: Does this align with Scripture? What fruit is evident? Is this producing life or death, freedom or bondage, humility or pride?
Discernment also applies to relationships. Not everyone who’s nice to you has your best interest at heart. Not everyone who calls you friend is trustworthy. Not everyone who prophesies over you is hearing from God. We must discern people’s character, motives, and fruit before trusting them with our hearts, resources, or influence.
But discernment must be balanced with love. Jesus had perfect discernment—He knew what was in people’s hearts. Yet He still loved them, served them, and gave them opportunity to respond to truth. Discernment without love becomes harsh and condemning. Love without discernment becomes naive and easily deceived.
Developing discernment requires several things: regular time in God’s Word so we know truth and can spot error, prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit for insight, willingness to seek wise counsel from mature believers, honest self-examination so we’re not projecting our issues onto others, and experience—we learn discernment by testing what we sense and seeing outcomes.
If you lack discernment, ask God for it. James promises that if we ask for wisdom, God gives generously. Pay attention to what you sense in your spirit. Test everything. Don’t be naive, but don’t be cynical either. Ask God to sharpen your spiritual senses so you can navigate life with divine wisdom and make choices that honor Him.
Discerning His way,
Matriarch Elnette Edwards
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