Jeremiah TiptonFounder in president of David Hernandez ministries

The Gift Of Discernment

20 Dec 2025 · 1 min

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1:12

In this sermon, the speaker clarifies that the spiritual gift of discernment is not synonymous with criticism, suspicion, or personal discomfort. He warns that believers often mistake their own preferences, cultural differences, or personality clashes for a Holy Spirit warning, especially when others validate the same negative view. True discernment, he asserts, is a work of the Holy Spirit that is grounded in the Word of God and provides clear, specific reasons for warning, rather than vague feelings. The speaker emphasizes the need for balance and humility, urging listeners to recognize when they have confused personal unease with divine guidance and to seek scriptural confirmation before labeling someone as spiritually compromised.

Chapters

The gift of discernment isn't the gift of criticism or suspicion or personal discomfort. How many times have you heard someone say about a man or woman of God, I don't know, something just doesn't sit right in my spirit about them? Now, what many believers will find it difficult to admit is that often they're judging based on personality, culture, method, and even differences of opinion. And then they blame the Holy Spirit for their own personal discomfort. What's more, if they find others who are willing to criticize the same man or woman of God, they'll feel validated in their criticism. Because others agree with them. But just because you find others who are willing to share in your disapproval of someone doesn't necessarily mean that you both heard from God. Now, of course, there are times when the Holy Spirit will warn you about an individual, but his speaking won't be some vague, nonspecific discomfort. He'll make it clear as to why he's warning you, and that warning will be based on the Word. The point I'm making here is simple: discernment is a work of the Holy Spirit. It's not going to be based on your personal feelings or opinions; it's going to be based on the Word of God. God. We need balance, and we need the humility to admit when we mistake personal discomfort for a Holy Spirit-given warning.