How the Bible Teaches Us to Tell What’s Good and What’s Evil
When people talk about “spiritually discerning good and evil,” it might sound complicated—but at its core, it simply means learning how to recognize what lines up with God’s ways and what doesn’t. This isn’t about guessing or relying on personal opinions. It’s a skill developed through practice, learning, and paying attention to what the Bible teaches, with guidance from God’s Spirit.
It’s More Than Just Knowing Right From Wrong
Sometimes, it’s easy to spot what’s wrong—like murder or stealing. But spiritual discernment goes a step further. It’s about being able to sense when something looks good on the surface but isn’t really good in God’s eyes. The Bible says we should “test everything” (1 John 4:1) to see if it’s really from God or not.
How Do You Learn This Skill?
Just like you get better at any skill by practicing, spiritual discernment grows stronger the more you use it. The Bible uses the example of mature believers who—by “constant practice”—get better at telling the difference between good and evil (Hebrews 5:14). The more we learn and live out God’s teachings, the sharper our spiritual “senses” become.
Simple Ways to Grow in Discernment:
· Practice Often: Treat every day as a chance to apply what you know. Even small choices matter.
· Read and Reflect on the Bible: The Bible helps us see things from God’s perspective, not just our own. It’s described as “living and active,” able to judge our thoughts and motives (Hebrews 4:12).
· Ask for God’s Help: The Holy Spirit helps us understand and apply God’s truth, especially when things aren’t clear.
· Grow Beyond the Basics: Don’t just settle for the basics. Dig deeper into what the Bible says and try to apply it in new situations.
· Test What You Hear: Not every teaching, idea, or feeling is from God. Compare everything to what the Bible says.
Why Does It Matter?
Spiritual discernment helps us live in a way that pleases God. It keeps us from being fooled by things that might look right but aren’t. The Bible says we should resist simply going along with what everyone else thinks (Romans 12:2) and instead aim to live according to God’s good and perfect plan.
The Bible’s View: Good and Evil Aren’t Just Opinions
Many people believe good and evil are just a matter of personal preference or culture. The Bible disagrees: it says that good and evil are real, objective things—measured by God’s own perfect character, not by what’s popular or easy (Isaiah 5:20; Romans 12:9). The ultimate example of good is God Himself.
This means “good versus evil” isn’t just a fight between two equal forces either. God is always in control, and evil isn’t some permanent, rival power. According to the Bible, evil will ultimately be defeated, and every wrong will be made right.
It’s Not Us Versus Them
One of the most important lessons is that the line between good and evil isn’t just between “good people” and “bad people.” The Bible teaches that everyone faces the struggle against evil—even in their own hearts. We’re all in need of God’s grace and forgiveness. As author Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn put it, “the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being.” That’s why Christians are called to forgiveness, not revenge.
Making Good Judgments—But With Humility
We’re encouraged to use “right judgment” (John 7:24)—not to be harsh or self-righteous, but to carefully consider what’s truly good, better, or best. Not every situation in life is black and white, and even sincere believers might disagree on certain issues. The key is to stay humble, keep learning, and seek God’s guidance rather than jumping to quick judgments.
Everyone Has a Choice
Ultimately, the Bible says each of us is faced with a choice: Will we seek God and His goodness, or go our own way? Every day, in big and small decisions, we’re shaping who we become—either closer to God’s goodness or drifting away from it. The good news is that God offers forgiveness and guidance to everyone willing to seek it.
In Summary
Spiritual discernment is about growing in wisdom and understanding so we can choose what’s truly good, not just what feels good or looks good. It’s a lifelong journey—one that requires practice, humility, and trust in God. The Bible invites us to keep learning, keep testing, and keep choosing God’s way, knowing that His definition of good and evil is trustworthy and unchanging.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 