+DEV+ Discernment

Date: May 22, 2009 12:38 AM

Topic: +DEV+     Discernment

Discernment

Scripture Focus: Matthew 15:21-28

“Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands” (Psalm 119:66).

People need help. Sometimes it is difficult to know which individual or Christian organization should get our time, and efforts.

When Jesus was on earth, He taught and healed many people, but He didn’t help everyone. He used discernment in the use of His time and abilities.

In today’s passage, again He wanted to be alone, but it was difficult to hide the news of His arrival in the area. When a Gentile woman with a demon-possessed daughter heard Jesus was there, she went to Him for help.

At first He ignored her, but she was persistent. In Jesus‚ brief conversation with her, He discerned that her faith in Him was genuine. He made it clear that His mission was to Jewish people first, not Gentiles. When her answer demonstrated that she still had faith in Him, Jesus healed her daughter.

As we relate with others, we often need to exercise discernment in order to know if we should support their causes, help them in some tangible way, or even spend a lot of time with them.

Insight: “I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes” (Psalm 119:125).