Discernment vs. Judgment: How to Know Who’s Speaking

newfireministriesi
2 days ago
2 min read

If all you’re seeing is the negative, that’s not discernment — it’s judgment.

The enemy is very good at revealing what’s broken, wrong, or failing. But notice this: he never reveals hope, responsibility, or restoration.

The Enemy Only Reveals What Destroys

Scripture is clear:

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” (John 10:10)

The enemy highlights flaws without offering healing.He exposes weakness without offering grace.He points out sin without pointing toward repentance or redemption.

If what you’re “seeing” leads you to distance yourself, harden your heart, or feel superior — that revelation did not come from God.

The Ministry of Jesus Is Reconciliation

Jesus did not come to expose people for condemnation, but to restore them back to God.

“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18)

Jesus saw Zacchaeus’ corruption — and invited Himself to his house.Jesus saw Peter’s denial — and restored him publicly.Jesus saw the Samaritan woman’s past — and entrusted her with testimony.

Jesus never revealed truth without also offering a path forward.

The Holy Spirit Does Not Gossip

The Holy Spirit does not reveal negative things about people just so you can “know something.”

That kind of knowledge produces pride, suspicion, and division — not fruit.

“When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth…” (John 16:13)

When the Holy Spirit reveals something:

It comes with compassion
It comes with responsibility
It comes with grace
It comes with a role for you to play

If there is no invitation to pray, love, intercede, encourage, or restore — it isn’t Him.

God Reveals Because There Is Still Time

From Genesis to Jude, God consistently works through people to restore people.

He warned Noah so others could be saved.He sent prophets so Israel could repent.He sent apostles to correct, build, and strengthen the Church.

It is only in Revelation — when grace has been fully rejected — that God takes matters entirely into His own hands.

That means this: If God is revealing something now, it’s because there is still hope.

The Discernment Test

When something is “revealed” to you, ask one simple question:

What is the positive outcome, and what is my role?

If the answer leads to:

Prayer instead of criticism
Restoration instead of rejection
Humility instead of superiority
Love instead of withdrawal

Then you’re hearing from God.

But if it leads only to accusation, distancing, or self-righteousness —that voice is not the Holy Spirit.

Final Thought

God does not reveal to divide — He reveals to redeem. He does not expose to shame — He exposes to heal. And He never shows you someone’s wound unless He intends to make you part of the healing.