The spiritual gifts of discernment and exhortation

Discernment distinguishes truth from error or heresy.

Our culture and churches certainly need the gift of discernment, but it can easily chafe people. Especially since people tend to believe in personal truth over and against the Bible’s insight.

Those who exercise spiritual discernment can easily be seen as a hindrance to ministry or even offensive. Submit your intuitions and discernment to the Spirit and the Bible. Remember that you are not God, but also speak boldly. Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

For those who may lack this gift, reflect on the people around you with discernment. Ask for their advice and discuss theological issues with them. It will be life-giving. Don’t be quick to offense. Remember: if they are speaking in love, they only desire the truth.

For an example of discernment, read about Samuel. In 1 Samuel 2:1-26, Samuel "continued to grow both in stature and favor with the Lᴏʀᴅ and also with man" even when surrounded by Eli's evil sons. In 1 Samuel 8:1-18, he discerned the fallenness of his own sons and was willing to remove them. After hearing from the Lord, he also warned the people against instituting a king.

The gift of exhortation encourages, comforts, and challenges others as they follow Jesus.

Exhortation is multi-dimensional. In times of doubt or hardship, it means tenderly comforting. Other times, it can mean challenging a sinful habit in a friend’s life or holding them to a higher standard than they hold for themselves. When the Spirit empowers people to exhortation, it will lead to growth in others.

As such, it’s incredibly important for those with the gift of exhortation to share it. Take time to pray that people will come to mind who need exhortation. Life circumstances arise, and people need different kinds of building up and help to strive for a better life in Christ. You can actively take part with that person in their life, and that’s a beautiful gift. Remember, as an exhorter, that sometimes people just need a listening ear.

For others, let’s remember to include people in our lives with this gift who will challenge us to grow. We can always be pressed forward. Remember a pivotal life moment. Was a mentor in the middle of it? Make time to allow others to encourage and love you in exhortation, and ask for it too.

Paul exemplifies this gift in Galatians 2:11–16.