Discernment Vs Judgement.

Discernment is the ability to accurately perceive and evaluate situations, people, and events. It is an important aspect of self-development and building better relationships, as it enables us to make informed decisions and communicate effectively.

Discernment involves a combination of intuition, critical thinking, and empathy. It allows us to see beyond surface-level appearances and understand the underlying motivations, intentions, and emotions of ourselves and others.

Using discernment for self-development involves being aware of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and understanding how they affect our relationships and experiences.

By developing our discernment, we can become more self-aware, identify areas where we need to grow, and make changes that align with our values and goals.

For example, if we notice that we often react defensively or aggressively in certain situations, discernment can help us understand the underlying emotions and beliefs that are driving those reactions.

We can then work on addressing those emotions and beliefs, and develop healthier ways of responding.

Discernment can also be used to build better communication in our relationships. When we communicate with others, it’s important to be able to understand their perspectives, needs, and feelings.

Discernment enables us to do this by allowing us to listen actively, ask questions, and empathize with others.

For example, if we’re disagreeing with a friend or partner, discernment can help us understand their point of view, even if we don’t agree with it.

We can ask questions to clarify their perspective and listen to their responses without judgment. This can help us find common ground and work towards a mutually beneficial resolution.

It’s important to note that discernment is different from judgment. Judgment involves making assumptions or forming opinions about people or situations based on limited information or preconceived notions.

Discernment, on the other hand, involves taking a more objective and open-minded approach to understanding ourselves and others.

For example, if we meet someone for the first time and form an opinion about them based on their appearance or behaviour, that is judgment.

But if we take the time to get to know them, understand their background and experiences, and assess their character based on multiple factors, that is discernment.

Discernment is also different from criticism. While criticism involves pointing out flaws or shortcomings, discernment involves understanding the root causes of those flaws and offering constructive feedback or support.

For example, if we notice that a friend is struggling with a certain behaviour or habit, discernment can help us understand the underlying emotions or beliefs that are driving that behaviour.

We can then offer support and guidance to help them address those issues positively and productively.

In conclusion, discernment is an important skill that can be used for self-development and building better relationships.

It involves the ability to accurately perceive and evaluate situations, people, and events, and understand the underlying emotions, motivations, and intentions involved. By developing our discernment, we can become more self-aware, more aware of other people and their actual intentions and more aware of the world around us.