Reveration Blog
6/19/2023 0 Comments Using Discernment
Meditation
Proverbs 18:15--The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it. Calista was a new mom. When Ann found this out, she used a personal call to Calista to empathize with her on the struggles of being a mom with a newborn and trying to manage work with parenting. Instead of calling out Calista for her inappropriate behavior, she loved on her and offered encouragement. Calista broke down in tears. She was grateful for Ann’s words. Her whole demeanor changed. She softened and became an ally instead of an adversary. Using discernment bathed in prayer and combined with a warm desire to understand Calista, Ann ministered grace. She set aside her pride and need to be treated respectfully. She refrained from reporting Calista’s poor behavior. Instead, she found a way to bless one who deserved to be reprimanded. Discernment is a wonderful tool. It seeks knowledge that brings solutions. It rejects the quick, knee-jerk reaction for the harder, more disciplined need to find understanding. Discernment focuses on truth instead of the need to be right and on gaining information instead of being defensive. It knows when to set aside the sword and give a hug or discipline instead of overlook. It is the forte of the Holy Spirit who knows all things. For this reason, prayer is the best friend of discernment, for it is helpfully gained when best asked for from the One who created wisdom. Beware of making sensitivity a tool for the weak-minded or belittling leaders who find kindness to repair those whose woundedness hides behind bluster. Jesus said, “All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves” (Matthew 11:29). Jesus did not champion power to gain what He wanted, He discerned His Father’s will and from humility won our salvation. Inspiration “When we discern that people are not going on spiritually and allow the discernment to turn to criticism, we block our way to God. God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede.”—Oswald Chambers in My Utmost For His Highest ©2023 Daniel York ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause. If you want to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box. Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed, subject to the inclusion of this copyright notice. Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth. (Holman CSB)
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