Unlocking the Spirit of Discernment: Evidence and Acquisition

Knowing one has the Spirit of discernment is primarily evidenced by the presence of the fruits of the Spirit, the ability to judge righteously, and a deep understanding of God’s Word, which the natural man cannot grasp Galatians 5:22-23RPS 23.2. This discernment is a spiritual gift set in the church, and its presence ensures that believers are not easily deceived by the enemy's devices1888 754.3+2.

Acquiring Spiritual Discernment

Spiritual discernment is not a natural ability but a divine gift, acquired through conscious connection with the Holy Spirit and a willingness to surrender the selfRPS 23.2+1.

• Seeking Heavenly Wisdom: We must pray for the impartation of the Spirit, recognizing that God is more willing to give the Holy Spirit than earthly parents are to give good gifts to their childrenTM 64.1+1. If any individual lacks wisdom, they are encouraged to ask God, who gives liberally James 1:517LtMs, Lt 90, 1902, par. 10.

• Receiving the Anointing: Discerning the things of God requires the "eye-salve" of spiritual enlightenment, which is the unction from the Holy One (the Holy Spirit) that teaches us all things and allows us to see our true condition and the nature of the Lord’s working 1 John 2:271888 387.6+3. This anointing opens the eyes of the understanding, enabling us to know the hope of God's calling and the riches of His glory in the saints Ephesians 1:17-18Hvn 158.1+1.

• Obeying God's Will: Perception and appreciation of truth depend less upon the mind than upon the heart, and the truth must be received through grace and a surrender of every sin the Spirit revealsDA 455.3. If anyone is willing to do God's will, they shall know whether the teaching is of God or merely from man John 7:17DA 455.3.

• Crucifying Self: To gain clear sight, one must possess the humility of a little child, falling upon the Rock and being broken, allowing self to die, so that new habits and character traits can be formed1888 794.1. The natural man cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God because they are foolishness to him, for they are spiritually discerned 1 Corinthians 2:14RPS 23.2.

Evidences and Fruits of Discernment

Discernment is manifested not merely in belief, but in the practical demonstration of a Christlike character and the ability to distinguish between truth and error12LtMs, Ms 138, 1897, par. 31.

Manifestation of Discernment	Description
Bearing the Fruits of the Spirit	The most definitive evidence is the constant bringing forth of the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance Galatians 5:22-23RH June 12, 1894, par. 4+1. This is the new moral taste and motive power given when a person is converted to God1SM 336.1+1.
Righteous Judgment	Those who have discernment do not judge after the flesh, but judge righteous judgment, exercising their senses to discern both good and evil John 7:24+2SGOM 13.2. They possess sound judgment and dare to reprove sin in the spirit of meeknessGW92 131.2+1.
Recognizing Spiritual Light	The discerning mind can recognize the light of heaven when it comes and perceive God working, understanding that the only place of safety is in Christ Jesus1SAT 142.1+2. They do not mistakenly call darkness and error light, or reject the true light11MR 352.3.
Unity and Faith	Discernment enables one to understand the voice of God and believe His messages of warning, rather than turning away from the evidences providedSpTA02b 116.2+1. It prevents one from lacking unity in faith, mind, and judgment with other believers1SG 12.3+1.

The Peril of Lacking Discernment

A lack of true spiritual discernment exposes individuals and the church to confusion and the delusions of Satan, especially as we approach the end of time6LtMs, Lt 43, 1890, par. 8.

• Mistaking Error for Light: Without discernment, individuals can easily mistake light for error and pronounce specious error as light, confusing phantoms for realities and realities for phantoms6LtMs, Ms 16, 1890, par. 46. They may be so blinded that they cannot distinguish light from darkness or error from truth1888 794.1+1.

• Falling into Deception: As the deceiving power of Satan increases—performing wonders and miracles to deceive if it were possible the very elect—sharpened discernment is crucial to know what spirit is of God and to avoid ignorance of Satan's devices1888 754.3+2. Ministers and others who allow falsehoods to overmaster their spirit of discernment can become deceivers themselves, united with the deceivedLDE 171.2.

• Self-Exaltation and Criticism: Lacking heavenly eyesight allows self-exaltation and the desire for human power to absorb the heart and mind1MCP 274.1. Such individuals may indulge in prejudice, criticism, and faultfinding, which grieves the Holy Spirit and separates the soul from God1888 900.2+3.

The Bible makes it clear that we must cultivate the graces of the Spirit, lest we become blind, unable to see afar off, having forgotten that we were purged from our old sinsPCP 58.3.