Testing What We Hear

Scripture: 1 John 4:1

Devotional Thought:
Not everything we are told that sounds spiritual is from God; having discernment requires us to test every message that is against or seems like it is against Scripture.“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1)

Having discernment is not cynicism, but it is careful. The Bible does not tell us to accept everything we hear simply because it sounds spiritual or even if it is well-intentioned. Instead, God told us to test what we hear against scripture.

Being able to test something requires a standard and that standard we have is God’s Word. The Bible does not shift with culture no matter how loud it is, nor does it bend to personal preference. The Bible reveals God’s truth clearly and consistently, this makes it possible to evaluate teachings, opinions, and spiritual claims reliably.

In a culture that has been confused, there are many ideas that have borrowed Christian language while subtly redefining biblical truth. They have messages that seem similar and may emphasize love while the whole time will dismiss holiness, or compassion while completely ignoring repentance. Having discernment asks the question: Does this align with the full counsel of Scripture?

The Bereans were praised not for blindly accepting teaching, but for examining Scripture daily to confirm what they heard. True spiritual maturity includes the humility to question and the discipline to search God’s Word do you know what you are being told.

Testing requires the guidance from the Holy Spirit. Your discernment is both learned and cultivated. As believers grow in Scripture and prayer, their ability to recognize truth sharpens.

Ask yourself: Am I filtering what I hear through God’s Word or through emotion, culture, or convenience? Discernment protects your faith and preserves your peace.

Discussion Prompt:
How often do you evaluate what you hear through God’s Word?

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, sharpen my discernment and protect me from believing what is false. Help to block out all of the noise that surrounds me and discern what is from you and not the world. In Jesus Name Amen

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