Those with the gift of discernment are granted the ability to read or hear teaching or study some action and determine if the education or action is based in God, humanity or Satan.

How this gift helps

• Can distinguish right from wrong or good intent from bad intent.
• Can see deception where others without the gift find it difficult.
• Able to distinguish the authentic word of God from false teaching.
• Can more easily spot inconsistency in teaching, prophency, or interpretations.
• Able to sense the presence of good or evil.

Ways to misuse this gift

• May be harsh when confronting others, focusing more on exposing what is wrong versus speaking the truth in love.
• May be tempted to claim discernment to stop something with which he/she disagrees even if there is no clear indication of wrong.

Scriptures

• "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." - 1 Corinthians 12:7
• "...to another distinguishing between spirits.... - 1 Corinthians 12:10

Other information

• Matthew 16:21-23
• Acts 5:1-4