In these days we are living, we are in need of discernment with increasing measure. With debates, arguments, and conspiracy theories constantly surrounding us, we need to remember passion, volume, and/or frequency does not always mean truth.
With that said, I returned to an older post of mine to edit and share today.
John, in his writings, begs us to be mindful to not believe everything we hear or see. He tells us to “test the spirits” to be certain they are from God and line up with His Word –
“Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God.” (1 John 4:1, NLT)
I will admit, discernment is something I seek from God regularly. The thought of deception scares me deeply.
Let’s return to 1 John and see what he has to tell us about testing the spirits. The one who knows God will:
- Honor Christ in His entirety. A true follower will believe that Christ is ALL He claimed to be. “This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God.” (1 John 4:3, NLT)
- Listen to the Spirit. A true follower will listen to the Word of God with the intent to obey His Word. A true follower will agree with the teachings found and taught in Scripture. “But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us.” (1 John 4:6, NLT)
- Love others. A true follower will love others because God is love. God is the source of all love and because He resides in us, we are able to love those around us. “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” (1 John 4:7, NLT)
Charles Spurgeon is often quoted as saying: “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.”
Deception most often is close enough to the truth to make it believable. This is the very reason we need to know truth and rely on both Scripture and the Holy Spirit to guide us in truth and recognizing falsehood.
Paul in writing to the Philippians offers a prayer for us today:
“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ.” (Philippians 1:9-10, NASB)
Let’s be wise in these days we are living.
We need abounding love, real knowledge, and all discernment.
Test the spirits.
“Whatever sadness I may be carrying, God is tender toward it, and God is also the Tend-er of my soul.” This one sentence from Michele Morin’s post, If You Turn Your Eyes, Your Heart Will Follow HERE carried me this past week. Her words will encourage and bless you as well I am sure!
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Image was free for use from Pixabay.
This is such an important topic. I love that quote from Spurgeon.
More and more love, knowledge, and discernment.
A perfect prayer then – and certainly right here in 2026.
Linda, I loved your post above. For some reason substack wouldn’t let me process my comment on your blog.
Blessings, Jennifer
“Deception most often is close enough to the truth to make it believable. This is the very reason we need to know truth and rely on both Scripture and the Holy Spirit to guide us in truth and recognizing falsehood.” Amen!
So true Joanne.
Blessings, Jennifer
Such good advice, Joanne. Christ Himself reminded His followers in Matthew 24:24, ” For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” none of us are immune to deception, especially in these last days.
Along the lines of what Spurgeon said, I remember what I read long ago on the training of bank tellers to spot counterfeit money; they did not study all the ways a counterfeit bill might look, they studied only genuine currency so well, that they would spot a counterfeit effortlessly no matter how cleverly manufactured.
May we know Christ that intimately, so that any hint of deception might be known the moment we encounter it.
Knowing the difference between right and almost right – what a great quote – and so true in our today. The enemy loves that grey area between right and almost right. It is dangerous territory! But our God gives us the Holy Spirit to help us see! I am so thankful for that guidance>
Great truth reminder, and that is great quote by Spurgeon!
Such a timely reminder, Joanne. Our world, as you said, is filled with debates, arguments and conspiracy theories and He calls us to use our discernment to wade through it all looking for what’s truly right. I have a feeling I may be returning to this post on days I’m disheartened or in need of direction. Thank you!
A poignant reminder to be wise and discerning, Joanne.
Wonderful post, Joanne. I often pray for discernment too, for myself and for my loved ones.