The gift of discernment of spirits is the spiritual gift that has continually given me the most difficulties and challenges.
In the early days of our ministry, my husband Malcolm and I often traveled. We stayed in many places in Asia and throughout New Zealand.
It seemed that no matter where we were, my intrepid husband could sail through any situation. But it was a different story for me!
- If we were staying in a place in Asia where strange spirits were worshipped, I encountered them in my dreams.
- And those times we were ministering in a region where there were strongholds, I felt them acutely.
We were often led to wage spiritual warfare or intercede through my sensitivity to the spiritual realm.
It took me many years to realize that my encounters with the spiritual realm were a sign.
I had a gift of discerning of spirits!
Now, because of my journey, I like to share what I have learned with others.
What is the Gift of Discernment?
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good… to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits…All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Cor 12:7-11)
Discernment of spirits is a gift of the Holy Spirit. And some Christian believers are stronger in this ability than others.
- This gift is a Spirit-given ability to distinguish whether the source of what is presented is of Divine, human, or demonic origins.
It may be in an atmosphere, encounter, event, or prophetic message.
8 Signs You May Have the Gift of Discernment
The following are some signs that you may have the spiritual gift of discernment. These are from my personal study, observation, and experience.
You may not identify with all of them, but if you do have the gift, you will recognize some of these in your life:
1. Desire for the Gift of Discernment
As with other spiritual gifts, desire is often the first sign of a gift of discernment of spirits (1 Cor 14:1).
- You may have a longing to see people set free from demonic bondage.
- Or, you may want to be more effective in prayer and spiritual warfare
- You may have a desire for holiness
- Perhaps you are simply curious about the spiritual realm.
2. Love for God’s Presence
One of the benefits and signs of having a gift of discernment of spirits is a heightened awareness of God’s Presence and anointing. A true discerner will have a passion for the un-grieved Presence of the Holy Spirit.
This is because—and I will continually reiterate this—the highest use of the gift of discernment is not to see what the enemy is doing.
It is to discern what the Spirit of God is doing.
3. Sensitivity to the Spiritual Atmosphere
You may be more sensitive to spiritual atmospheres than most other people. In the early stages of developing the gift, you may be affected adversely by the presence of any demonic activity.
Especially when it is in the environment around you.
The reality is that we live in a natural world and a spiritual world concurrently. In the Bible, when Jacob came across a group of angels, he named that place Mahanaim, meaning “double camp.” (Gen 32:1-2)
As Jacob realized, we also live in a double camp where there is a constant spiritual activity. Those with a gift of discernment have spiritual senses that are attuned to this.
4. Feeling Different from Other People
Most people, even in church life, experience life through their natural senses. However, someone with a gift of discernment of spirits can see and sense things that others do not see.
This ability can result in us feeling different, lonely, or misunderstood at times, especially when starting out. So, it is vital that someone with a developing gift of discernment finds a safe place to journey with others who are similarly gifted and accountable in the life of their church.
5. Unusual Signs of Discernment
It is not uncommon for someone who is gifted in discernment to experience unusual events or manifestations.
People who are incubating a spiritual gift of discernment begin to see or feel things that others are not aware of. This may include unusual visions, dreams, and sensations that alert them to what is happening in the spiritual realm.
6. Childhood or Pre-Salvation Signs of the Discernment Gift
It is not uncommon to experience things relating to your gift even before becoming a Christian. Our creator God prepares us for our calling and gifts from conception.
Even when a talent or gift is misused, God can redeem it. He can anoint that ability for His use so that you can serve Him and minister to others.
As a child, I “saw” things in the night, and as a teenager was sensitive to the spiritual realm. Sometimes, I encountered demonic spirits in my room or dreams. Later, as a fully committed Christian, God redeemed this spiritual sensitivity as a gift of discernment.
I know Christians who have a gift of discernment who were drawn to New Age counterfeit gifts before becoming a Christian.
7. Ability to Know What Lies Behind a Person’s Words or Actions
Someone with a gift of discernment has the ability to see behind what a person is saying and presenting. You may know whether they are telling the truth or not. You may also notice if someone is manifesting a demonic spirit and be able to identify what that spirit is.
When a prophetic message is brought, someone with a gift of discernment may tell whether or not it is anointed by the Spirit. They may discern if it is from the speaker’s own heart.
This is not always the case, and as with other revelatory gifts such as prophecy, you will sometimes be mistaken. Or, you may have incomplete discernment (1 Thess 5:19-21, 1 Cor 13:9-10)
8. Confirmation of the Discernment Gift by Others and Leaders
You may have the gift confirmed through a prophecy given to you. For example, my gift of discernment was identified through prophecy twice. Perhaps, this was because I was reluctant to accept it!
However, the bottom line of the presence of any gift is that it is identified and acknowledged by leaders in the church and that it is useful for its purpose.
And that is, to help build up the church and bring people closer to Jesus.
When you submit what you are seeing or sensing, your leaders confirm your accuracy, and your gift begins to be recognized for its effectiveness.
Whenever a gift is used to criticize or tear down a church, person, or leader, you know it is being misused. Or, you may realize it is simply a person’s hurt or frustration masquerading as discernment.
These kinds of abuses are common and have brought disrepute to the gift of discernment. So, I will take some time over the next couple of posts to share how the gift of discernment can bring value to church life.
Unlocking the Gift of Discernment eBook
Available for purchase from the Enliven Ministries e-store.
Have you identified some signs that you have the gift of discernment?
The gift of discernment of spirits is a powerful weapon in times of spiritual warfare. It can be of great assistance when ministering freedom to individuals. And yet, many who recognize they have signs of the gift have difficulty with it. They do not know what to do with what they are feeling or sensing.
“Unlocking The Gift Of Discernment” incorporates wisdom from Enliven Blog. Plus, it has additional valuable material on how to be protected as a discerner in times of spiritual warfare.
To view “Unlocking The Gift Of Discernment” in our e-store, click here
Related Posts:
- 3 Powerful Levels of the Gift of Discernment (with Signs of Each) Find out the one most important thing you need to know so that you can use your gift of discernment effectively.
- Discerners: God is Healing Your Perspective
- 8 Ways To Grow Your Gift Of Discernment
© Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching
Enliven Ministries—Prophetic ministry for a revival generation.
Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in prophetic ministry and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog (est. 2009), an online resource that reaches thousands of people globally.
Hi Kim,
Yes, I understand what you have been through, it is not easy when you are sensing things that others are not aware of, and it helps when you can finally understand that what you have is a special ability.
I believe God will heal you of the fear associated with some of the experiences that you have had.
Romans 8:15 says,
‘The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”’I pray that you will journey into greater freedom in this area, and know Him as the Father Who heals and loves you. You may find it helpful to find a safe place to receive prayer ministry.
This is really useful. I think I have the gift of discerning of spirits. I have always ‘sensed’ God’s presence. For instance, even as an atheist, I knew that, when I prayed, there was someone listening because I could feel that there was. On the flip side of that, I have also always been able to sense the presence of demons. And they were on my back for a really long time before (negative thoughts) and heavy presence manifestations when I was an atheist. But it wasn’t until my friend heard about all this stuff that he suggested that I have that gift. And then, for some reason, the spiritual warfare increased tenfold. I could even ‘see’ them with my spiritual eye. They wouldn’t leave me alone. I can sense them around everywhere and I’ve stopped sensing God’s presence. It’s like he’s testing me. At any rate, I feel really alone, because my family thinks I’m being deceived or that this is occult influence. I’ve always had this, even after I went to a deliverance counsellor. And I don’t know. I’m really afraid that I’m wrong in some way, but there’s no one, other than my friend, who can confirm any of this. Except me, when I read all of this. It ALL sounds like me. And I don’t know where to go to get advice, or to find help. This is the first time I’ve ever registered that I may have this, and I feel like a newbie. I don’t know what to do with it or what its significance is…
Suggestions?
Hi Corinne,
Yes, it does sound as though you have an ability in the area of discernment. May I reassure you that you are NOT in any way strange because of the things you have experienced. But God’s gifts are not given to separate us from Him or torment us. I suggest taking a two-fold approach, learning what you can about the gift of discernment, and continuing to seek God for freedom from fear. Sometimes there are ‘open doorways’ in our lives that need closing. I think I may have discussed this in the comments above. I recommend prayer ministry, but I know that not everyone has access to safe prayer ministry–this is freedom (deliverance) prayer in an environment that is secure and accountable to godly Christian leadership. Corinne, you are a precious daughter of God and I pray you find the help and encouragement that you need to move forward.
Hi Helen, Just needing a bit of help I have been having dreams for the last month maybe more where mostly every night I sense a change in the atmosphere either a spirit has entered into my room that causes my spirit to go into a deep prayer of intercession coming against it and in every dream I call out to Jesus and peace falls on me. I know I am in my room because I can see myself clearly but sleeping so I must be dreaming right. The other night the same thing happened my spirit antenna was up a felt a change in the atmosphere I called out to Jesus and peace fell on me but this time I decided to stay in this place which felt like the spirit realm or could have been enemy camp not sure but it runs parallel with the physical plane. As I said I stayed for a bit to see what was in this place it was like I turned off my physical eyes and started using my spiritual eyes to see and what I saw was it was like I am looking at my roof in my bedroom but I can see a realm through it, it was full of spirits and darkness this realm runs parallel with ours….In the dream I felt like I was there to look and learn but not sure what I am looking for or mean’t learn and everytime I got scared I would call out to Jesus and peace fell on me. Do you have any thoughts on whats going on here I know I am definitely using my gift in discernment just unsure what I am doing. Thank you for your time Helen much love Chontae
Hi Chontae, that doesn’t sound like very comfortable sleep! I don’t know the background or potential reasons for what could be taking place, but here is what I would do if it was happening to me. I would pray some spiritual warfare prayer and comand any demonic interference with the sleep to cease (I usually get my husband to pray with me in these situations). I believe discernment and intercession from the Holy Spirit has clarity and that from the enemy is cloudy, and also the Bible says that with Him our sleep is ‘sweet.’ Hope this makes sense :-)
Thank you Helen,
So I sat this morning with the Holy Spirit and was reminded of our senior Pastor who has prophesied over me that I will go into the depths of the spiritual realm places unknown to man and take back what was stolen a truth in this realm that was given to my forefathers but lost due to deception and misuse of the gift and so I was wondering if this maybe what he is talking about. I have always been able to go to this place since I was a child and do this but not for this long time of a period it normally will only be a couple of times in a week. This is how my sleep life has always been but as I have grown and matured in Christ I now know how to find such peace in this spiritual realm where there is so much spiritual noise I also have learn’t how to call out to Jesus when I feel a bit scared there. Lately I have been able to walk around in this place and see more because I feel safe knowing Jesus and the Holy Spirit are there with me. I have been in spiritual warefare before in this place but the Holy Spirit intercedes every time and then I feel safe to carry on what ever it is that I am looking for…..I know I am looking for something I am just not sure what…..But will keep praying into it as you say.
Thank you so much Helen for all your help I appreciate this very much.
Much Love
Chontae
Hi Chontae, I am sure the Spirit will give you wisdom as you continue to wait on Him. Perhaps also share with your pastor what is going on, in light of his word for you too. Have a blessed week xo
Thank you Helen appreciate you so much :)
i feel like i have the gift.i will tell you some of the things and tell me what you think.my brother ask me to come over to his house i said ok i went over there we was talking outside and then we went in.after i went in a strong feeling came over me and i started to say i am just going to go home.but i look over the feeling later that night some things happen between me and him i ended up going to jail.i can read people.thats just some of the things.tell me what you think
Hi Terry, I cannot tell from your comments whether or not you have a spiritual gift, but it is possible that what you felt was a warning that you should have paid attention to at the time.
May I encourage you to read the Bible, especially the New Testament and find out more about a life with God. You can find passages about spiritual gifts in particular in 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14.
God’s gifts are good, and given to help us help, love and lead people to Jesus. For many of us in the journey we experience difficulties and a ‘dark’ side before we really discover God’s goodness and purpose for our lives, and that is certainly true of having an ability to sense what is happening in the spiritual realm. Terry, I pray you receive God’s blessing into your life in a powerful way as you look to Him.