Day 15

Day 15 of Your Journey
Discernment Is Not for Criticizing Others

“I therefore . . . urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (Eph. 4:1-2 ESV).

Walking in a manner worthy of our Lord involves being kind and patient with fellow believers. When we are revived, we begin to see things more clearly. Areas we once considered gray, or perhaps did not even bother to consider, now become clear. Our perspective of ourselves and others may undergo a radical transformation.

If we’re not careful, we can be quick to condemn and look down on those who don’t seem to have the enlightenment we have. Remember this simple truth: God never gives discernment for the purpose of criticism. He gives it for the purpose of intercession.

As you walk more deeply with God, He will often give you understanding and discernment into the lives of others. This is a special blessing from God that is not meant to tear them down, but rather to build them up.

This is where asking God to watch our motives is important. The difference between wanting to make someone know they are wrong, and desiring to help someone be right, is as vast as the heavens yet as narrow as our motive. Our job is to patiently bear with one another in love as we pray and encourage them toward doing what is right.

Making It Personal

Lord, help me to stand passionately for truth, yet with patience and kindness toward others. Let the discernment You give me stir me to pray for others, not criticize them.

Take time to think of anyone you have been critical of. Spend some time praying for them.