Discernment of Spirits
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To another, faith, from the same Spirit; to another, the gifts of healing, through this one Spirit, to another, the working of miracles; to another, prophecy; to another, the power of distinguishing spirits, to one, the gift of different tongues and to another, the interpretation of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:9-10)
The gift of discernment of spirits is a special gift which helps us to distinguish darkness from light, the holy from the profane, the spiritual from what belongs to the world, and to identify the true Spirit from the false. This gift is nurtured through a holy life and great zeal for the living Word of God. And so shall it be also when you separate the sacred from the profane, the unclean from the clean. (Leviticus 10:10; Ezekiel 44:23)
It is only by leading a holy life that we will be able to discern what is acceptable to God. (Romans 12:2)
It is by the power of His Word that God divides darkness from light, holy from profane, clean from unclean. (Genesis 1:3-4; Hebrews 4:12-13)
A person who has the Word of God and the Holy Spirit abiding in him is a spiritual person, able to discern all things. (1Corinthians 2:15)
People are led astray by numerous false teachings and doctrines which are prevalent in the world today. St. John writes to us that there are many different spirits in the world and that we should be able to distinguish between them. (1John 4:1)
Jesus Christ is the same today as He was yesterday and He will be forever. Do not be led astray by all sorts of strange doctrines. (Hebrews 13:8-9)
Many are attracted by signs and wonders and by following these, deviate from the true faith. Saint Paul warns us against being deceived, since Satan can even disguise himself to appear as an angel of light (2Corinthians 11:13-15) - hence the importance of this unique spiritual gift to help us identify between the true spirit and the false.
Our mission, in this time, when people lack clarity in spiritual matters, is to lead people to true spiritual discernment and a clear and mature faith based on the Creed of the Apostles.