Spiritual Discernment through Love's Eyes: Seeing Past the Person to the Spirit Behind the Behavior

Exploring the profound concept of spiritual discernment becomes paramount in the Christian journey—a vital element encompassing a deep understanding of God's will, the ability to distinguish between good and evil, and an unwavering reliance on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

In Ephesians 6:12 (ESV), the Apostle Paul provides valuable insights into the unseen realm, urging believers to recognize the spiritual battles that shape human interactions:

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

In this verse, Paul emphasizes that our struggles extend far beyond mere human interactions. The language used, such as "cosmic powers" and "spiritual forces of evil," underscores the profound reality that the conflicts we face have a spiritual dimension. By acknowledging this, believers are called to discern the spiritual forces behind individuals and situations, aligning their responses with the understanding that the ultimate battle is spiritual.

With this divine insight, we journey on an exploration of spiritual discernment, aiming to comprehend the spiritual realities we face and equipping ourselves to navigate a world influenced by spiritual darkness and principalities.

One significant challenge for Christians is navigating interactions with people while recognizing the spiritual influences at play. It's common to observe Christians grappling with wounds caused by others and often focusing on judging the person responsible, rather than understanding the biblical perspective that identifies the adversary as the spiritual force behind the actions.

To illustrate, consider Joe, who recently displayed anger by lashing out at his boss, Henry. In responding to this situation, Henry, a Christian, faces a crucial choice: he can either react in a worldly manner, possibly leading to Joe's dismissal, or he can choose a more discerning approach. Instead of fixating on Joe's actions, Henry can seek to discern the spiritual influences behind Joe's behavior, allowing for a response guided by spiritual understanding and compassion.

Recognizing the spiritual forces influencing people's actions is essential for Christians. In order to look beyond Joe's surface behavior and discern the underlying spiritual dynamics, Henry can start by seeking divine guidance to reveal the spirit at work. Here are several common possibilities to consider:

Spirit of Anger: Joe's sudden outburst and aggressive behavior may be influenced by a spirit of anger. This spirit seeks to fuel destructive emotions and actions.

Spirit of Frustration: If Joe's actions are rooted in feelings of being overwhelmed or frustrated, a spirit of frustration may be at play, pushing him to express his discontent in an unhealthy manner.

Spirit of Bitterness: Long-standing resentment or bitterness can be fueled by a spirit of bitterness, leading individuals to act out in ways that harm themselves and others.

Spirit of Fear: Joe might be reacting to fear, whether it's fear of failure, rejection, or other anxieties. A spirit of fear can drive individuals to act impulsively.

Spirit of Rebellion: If Joe's actions are characterized by defiance and rebellion against authority, a spirit of rebellion may be influencing him to resist guidance and direction.

Spirit of Brokenness: Joe's behavior could stem from a deep sense of brokenness or emotional pain. A spirit of brokenness may drive individuals to act out as a way of coping with inner turmoil.

Spirit of Impatience: If Joe struggles with impatience, the impulsive nature of his actions may be influenced by a spirit of impatience, pushing him to react without thoughtful consideration.

It's important to note that discerning spirits requires sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and an understanding of the specific circumstances. The goal is not to judge or condemn the person but to recognize the spiritual influences at play and respond with love, compassion, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

When faced with situations where the spiritual influences behind a person seem vast and challenging to discern, my personal approach is to employ prayer and address these influences collectively as "anti-Christ spirits." This broader term becomes a way for me to seek divine intervention, especially when it's challenging to pinpoint a specific dominating spiritual presence in conjunction with the evident spirits at work.

Applying this concept to all situations is imperative. Whether Joe's actions lead to his termination, regardless of whether it's the third outburst or the first, Henry, as a Christian, can take the insights revealed by God regarding the spiritual dynamics at work behind Joe. This knowledge becomes the foundation for Henry's prayers, guiding him to approach Joe with a sincere heart-to-heart conversation, similar to a father reaching out to help a son.

How Joe responds to Henry's compassion and guidance is ultimately a matter between Joe and God. Henry's responsibility is to follow God's instruction, recognizing that it's not about Joe but the spiritual forces influencing him. 

By biblically responding through actions like prayer, or binding, loosing, and delivering, Henry plays a significant role in setting Joe on a path toward salvation. The eventual outcome may see Joe thriving, perhaps owning his own company one day, becoming a president, or even pursuing a calling as a pastor.

We all play a unique part in the lives of those around us. You might find yourself praying for someone, while another person could be the one engaging in deliverance or binding spiritual forces. The Bible beautifully illustrates this collaboration in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (ESV), saying, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth."

This scripture highlights the idea that some may introduce others to the Gospel or sow the initial seeds of understanding (planting), while others nurture and cultivate spiritual growth (watering). The key takeaway is that everyone's role is significant, contributing to the overall spiritual development of individuals.

Consider how God Himself deals with King Tyre in Ezekiel 28. Even though the passage is directed at the King of Tyre, it is widely understood to also address the spiritual force behind him, referring to Satan. Check out this relevant scripture:

Ezekiel 28:12-15 (ESV): "Son of man, raise a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus says the Lord God: “You were the signet of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, emerald, and carbuncle; and crafted in gold were your settings and your engravings. On the day that you were created they were prepared. You were an anointed guardian cherub. I placed you on the holy mountain of God; in the midst of the stones of fire you walked. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, till unrighteousness was found in you."

As you read this passage, notice how God moves beyond addressing the human ruler, King Tyre, and speaks to the spiritual realm, providing insights that go deeper than the surface. It's a powerful illustration of the biblical principle of looking past the individual and discerning the spiritual influences at play. Just as God does, we are encouraged to recognize and address the spiritual forces behind people and situations.

Isaiah's prophetic message addressing the King of Babylon is another example. The language used transcends the scope of a mere mortal ruler. The imagery of a fallen star and the aspirations to ascend to the heights of heaven points to a deeper spiritual reality. Many interpretations understand this passage as not solely addressing the earthly king but also alluding to the spiritual being behind him—Lucifer or Satan.

Speaking to the King of Babylon;

Isaiah 14:12-15 (ESV): "How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.'"

Clearly God is speaking to and referencing Satan in this passage.

Consider another compelling instance from the Gospels, specifically in Matthew 16:23, where Jesus exemplifies spiritual discernment by addressing the influence of Satan behind Peter's words. This episode unfolds as an illustration of Jesus looking past the immediate conversation and recognizing the spiritual force at work:

Matthew 16:23 (ESV): "But he turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.'"

In this exchange, Peter, with good intentions, seeks to dissuade Jesus from the path that leads to the crucifixion. However, Jesus perceives a deeper spiritual influence behind Peter's words—a temptation that aligns with the adversary, Satan. By addressing Peter as "Satan," Jesus underscores the spiritual nature of the conflict.

It is not a rebuke against Peter personally but a recognition of the spiritual forces attempting to divert Jesus from His divine mission.

This example echoes the overarching principle of spiritual discernment. Like Jesus, believers are encouraged to see beyond the surface of interactions, recognizing the spiritual influences that may be at play in the words and actions of those around them. Matthew 16:23 serves as a powerful reminder that understanding the spiritual dynamics enables believers to respond with wisdom and alignment with the will of God.

Let's look at one more profound example of Jesus exercising spiritual discernment as He encounters a man possessed by a legion of demons. This powerful narrative, found in Mark 5:1-20, vividly illustrates Jesus' authority over spiritual forces and His ability to discern the presence of a legion of demons within the afflicted man:

Mark 5:1-20 (ESV): "They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit... And Jesus asked him, 'What is your name?' He replied, 'My name is Legion, for we are many.' And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country."

In this account, Jesus encounters a man with an unclean spirit, and through a brief conversation, discerns the presence of a legion of demons within him. The use of the term "Legion" emphasizes the multitude of demonic entities afflicting the man. Jesus, in His divine authority, proceeds to cast the legion of demons out of the man and into a herd of pigs, showcasing His power over spiritual forces.

This example underscores the importance of spiritual discernment in recognizing not only the presence of demonic influence but also the specific nature and extent of that influence. By addressing the legion of demons, Jesus reveals His mastery over the unseen realm and demonstrates the need for believers to engage in spiritual discernment when confronted with manifestations of spiritual darkness.

Let us remember that not every negative attribute is necessarily a result of demons or spiritual darkness. Sometimes, it's just foolishness. However, even in these cases, the influence of negativity may be close by, finding an unguarded door in a person's life.

Not every shadow is cast by demons; sometimes, it's just the fleeting folly of human nature. Discernment allows us to distinguish between the darkness of spiritual influence and the temporary shades of human imperfection.

Use discernment to locate that door and help them secure it. Your assistance might be through prayer alone, and that is not only acceptable but incredibly powerful. Always seek or patiently wait for the Holy Spirit's discernment. Confronting situations is beneficial, but embracing silence is equally important. Hence, we must wholeheartedly embrace the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Heavenly Father,

Grant me the sensitivity to discern Your leading through the Holy Spirit. Kindle in me a passion for learning Your Word, recognizing that abiding in the Word is dwelling in Your presence. May I be guided by Your wisdom and empowered by Your Spirit in all situations. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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Copyright © Amanda Allen, Kingdom Revelations, 2024. All rights reserved. This article may be shared with acknowledgment of the author and the original source. Artwork included.