Learning To Discern Grace
2 Kings 4:9 And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually.
This scripture is about the story of the Prophet Elisha and the Shunamite woman. The Shunamite woman is from the tribe of Issachar of whom it was said “they had an understanding of the times and knew what Israel ought to do; and they were chief and their brethren were at their command” (1 Chronicles 12:32). No wonder this woman was able to discern that Elisha was a holy man of God. The word "perceive" could also mean discernment.
Elisha which means "Yahweh saves" or simply "salvation", is a picture of Christ which is grace. While the Shunamite woman is a picture of the believer in Christ Jesus. Just as this woman was able to discern that Elisha was a holy man of God, you also should be able to discern grace when you see it. Can you perceive grace when you encounter it?
Your inability to discern grace will cost you big time. Because this woman was able to discern that Elisha was a holy man of God, she related with him as such and accorded him the due honor. And for that reason, her barrenness of many years was terminated. If the church will be able to discern the grace of God, we will be much fruitful. You should be able to both discern grace in a "message" and as well as the grace a "man of God" carries per his office and calling and function. This will position you for greatness.
Discernment is the ability to be able to judge or distinguish good from evil; it is the ability to know what is right and wrong – it is the ability to judge rightly. The ability to discern grace is so crucial to our pursuit of grace. If there is one thing you should ask God to give you, it should be the abiity to discern grace.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Any message that doesn't have the undertone of grace is dangerous. Our words must minister grace irrespective of the subject we are teaching. Condemnation can be ministered to from any subject. When we hear a message, we should be able to know whether this message is ministering grace or condemnation for condemnation kills but grace gives life. When we encounter a man of God, we should be able to discern what grace is at work in his ministry. This unique ability will mark you out for distinction and also deliver you from error and the pain that comes from guilt and condemnation. There are all kinds of teachings making rounds in the world. How do you know which of them is ministering grace? This is where you need discernment.
Discernment comes when you spend time in the word of God – the word gives you discerment. I believe the Shunamite woman has been watching Elisha closely for a long time. Finally, she discerned that Elisha was a holy man of God. Discernment doesn't come in a day. The way to begin is to listen to a lot of anointed grace teachers; with time it will develop your discerment. A word of caution: there are false teachings of grace - becareful who you listen to. Discernment comes with growth. Discernment gives you pursuit. Because the woman was able to discern Elisha was a prophet of God, it moved her to pursue Elisha.
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