As believers, our first step on the path to growing our gift is to be able to discern the presence of the Holy Spirit. He has a tangible presence and we should recognize him when he comes.
We should also invite his presence. One of my pastors, Pastor Quanidos, says, “The Holy Spirit is a gentleman. He won’t come in if we don’t ask.”
The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, and peace, and that is what he brings with his presence.
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Discerning of spirits is one of the “knowledge” spiritual gifts. It can be used to determine the source of what appears to be manifestations of the power and speech gifts versus false signs. It is also used in identifying situations that need intercession.
So how do you develop the gift of discerning of spirits?
First of all, every single experience should be tested against the Word of God. If you think that you have this gift or if you want to develop this gift (we are told to desire the gifts,) it is very important to make reading, studying, and memorizing the Word of God part of your daily lifestyle. You have to have a solid foundation to work from.
It is also important to be with a group of like-minded believers. First, to test what you are experiencing to see whether it is from God or not and to judge your assessment. Second, to learn from.
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So what exactly is the “discerning of spirits?”
It is one of the Gifts of the Spirit. The King James Version translates it as “discerning of spirits.” The English Standard Version translates it as “distinguish between spirits.”
I think that both are true.
As with all of the spiritual gifts, the purpose is to build up the body of Christ. Each person is given a gift that is meant to work in coordination of another. Because of that, Paul instructs the church:
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You often hear people say:
“They give me the willies”
“You look depressed.”
“It was a very tense situation.”
“I felt someone looking at me.”
When someone talks about picking up on the emotion of a person or the spirit/atmosphere in a situation, we understand what they mean. Ninety-three percent of communication is communication by something other than words.
Discerning of Spirits Meaning
But many times the concept of “discerning of spirits” is foreign, or a little uncomfortable for people.
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One part of the Holocaust March of Remembrance memorial service, at least here in Houston, is the testimony of Nazi descendants telling the story of what their parents or grandparents did, expressing their repentance, and seeking forgiveness from Holocaust survivors and their descendants. It is a very powerful moment. It is also one that gets some people a little agitated. The concept of identificational repentance really bothers some Christians who think that we’re saved by grace that we don’t have to deal with any other baggage. Not only is the testimony of the Germans one of forgiveness, but there story is also one of how exposing and repenting of those actions not only set them free personally, but it has transformed their city. (Here is an article on the power of identificational repentance.)
So what does this have to do with this book? This past year, we had seven marches in two days in Houston. Six on Saturday in communities around the city in the formation of the Star of David and one in Central Houston on Sunday. Eleven Nazi descendants flew in on Friday to speak at the different locations. On Saturday night, the planning team had dinner with the Germans. We know their story. They are warring for change in their community by breaking the silence, exposing what really happened, and repenting. One of them asked Mitch, “So what does your city have to repent of?” He replied, “Well, we have the largest abortion mill in the nation, we are a major hub for human and sex trafficking . . . ” and went on with a list of other things.
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