Judgment

In the biblical context, judgment refers to the process of making decisions or forming opinions, often with a moral or spiritual dimension. It is a central theme throughout Scripture, reflecting God's righteous nature and His expectations for human conduct.

1. Divine Judgment: God's judgment is portrayed as perfect and just. In the Old Testament, God is depicted as the ultimate judge who evaluates the actions of individuals and nations. For instance, Psalm 9:8 states, "He judges the world with justice; He governs the people with equity." God's judgment is not arbitrary but is based on His holy standards and righteousness.

2. Human Judgment: Humans are called to exercise judgment in their daily lives, discerning right from wrong and making decisions that align with God's will. However, Scripture warns against hypocritical or unrighteous judgment. In Matthew 7:1-2, Jesus teaches, "Do not judge, or you will be judged. For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

3. Final Judgment: The Bible speaks of a future, final judgment where all individuals will stand before God. Revelation 20:12 describes this event: "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books." This judgment underscores the importance of living a life in accordance with God's commandments.

Discernment

Discernment is the ability to perceive and distinguish between different spiritual truths, often involving insight into God's will and the nature of good and evil. It is a gift and skill that believers are encouraged to develop.

1. Spiritual Discernment: Discernment is closely linked to wisdom and understanding, enabling believers to navigate complex moral and spiritual situations. In 1 Corinthians 2:14, Paul writes, "The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned."

2. Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in granting discernment to believers. John 16:13 states, "However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come." The Spirit aids believers in understanding and applying God's Word to their lives.

3. Practical Application: Discernment is essential for making wise decisions and avoiding deception. Hebrews 5:14 emphasizes the importance of maturity in discernment: "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil." Believers are encouraged to seek discernment through prayer, study of Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

In summary, judgment and discernment are vital aspects of the Christian life, reflecting God's character and guiding believers in their spiritual journey. They require a balance of truth, love, and reliance on divine guidance.