Discernment (Christianity)

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Discernment in Christianity is the ability to judge well and to sense God’s will in a situation. It helps people understand what is true, what has value, and what is right to do. It can involve thinking clearly, choosing wisely, and even appreciating beauty or goodness.

Discernment is a lifelong practice. A discerning person aims to grow in wisdom and good judgment by aligning life with God and with Jesus, especially in areas others may miss.

Different meanings of discernment in Christianity:
- Determining God’s will for a situation or for one’s life, and judging whether something is good, evil, or beyond simple right and wrong.
- Discerning one’s vocation—whether to marry, remain single, enter consecrated life, become a priest or deacon, or pursue another calling.
- Discernment of spirits—judging spiritual influences for their moral effect. This term is used in both Roman Catholic and Charismatic (Pentecostal) traditions.

The discernment process generally includes these ideas:
- Take time to reflect and pray. Decisions made in a hurry are more easily questioned later.
- Use both the head (reason) and the heart (feelings), and weigh the important values involved.
- Recognize that everyone has their own values, which shape their discernment.
- In groups, each person should discern for themselves first, then the group aims for a shared, and ideally unanimous, conclusion through discussion and persuasion.
- Christian discernment differs from secular discernment because the goal is to follow God’s will as understood through faith and Jesus’ teachings.

Practical steps often used in Christian discernment (in many traditions, especially Ignatian):
- Identify the issue you face.
- Spend time praying about it.
- Make a wholehearted decision.
- Discuss the choice with a trusted mentor or guide.
- Trust the decision and act on it.
- Revisit the choice if new information or feelings arise.

Ignatian discernment, developed by Ignatius of Loyola, emphasizes noticing God in all things. It uses spiritual exercises to help people face major life decisions, aiming to align choices with God’s presence and action.