How to Tell What’s Really from God
What Does “Try the Spirit by the Spirit” Really Mean?
If you’ve ever heard someone talk about “trying the spirit by the spirit,” it’s basically advice to not believe everything you hear—even if it sounds spiritual or holy. Instead, we should check what people say about faith to see if it actually matches what God teaches in the Bible. With so much information out there, it’s more important than ever to be wise about what we trust.
Why Do People Miss the Truth?
The Bible points out that not everyone can see or understand the truth—even when it’s laid out plainly. 2 Corinthians 4:4 explains, “The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of Christ.” That means there are forces and distractions that keep us from really seeing what God wants for us. It’s not just about being smart or working hard; sometimes our own ways of thinking or things happening around us cloud our understanding.
Anyone can fall into this trap. We all have worries, traditions, or ideas that can secretly block out God’s message. That’s why it helps to ask God for an open mind and a clean heart, so we don’t just follow the crowd or what sounds easiest.
Be Careful with “Feel-Good” Messages
It’s easy to want to hear only good news—promises of blessings, health, or wealth. But the Bible warns that some people use religion for their own gain. 2 Corinthians 2:17 says, “We are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word.” In other words, not everyone who talks about God is genuine; some are just in it for themselves.
1 John 4:1 says, “Don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they’re from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Just because something sounds nice doesn’t mean it’s right. We need to be careful not to fall for messages that simply make us feel good, but don’t line up with what God really says.
Real faith isn’t always comfortable. It means trusting God even when things are tough, not just when everything sounds perfect.
How Can We Know What’s Truly from God?
The best way to test what we hear is to compare it with the Bible. If someone’s message doesn’t agree with Scripture, be cautious. Ask yourself: Does this teaching help me love others, turn away from wrong, and trust God more? Or does it just tell me what I want to hear?
It also helps to pray for wisdom, talk with other Christians you trust, and listen for God’s guidance through the Holy Spirit. God doesn’t want us confused—He gives us ways to know what’s real and what’s not.
Praying for Our Nation
Our country faces tough times, and it’s easy to feel lost or frustrated when leaders don’t do what’s right. The Bible encourages us to pray, turn from our own wrong ways, and seek God together as a nation. When we humble ourselves and honestly look for God’s direction, the Bible promises that God will hear us, forgive us, and bring healing.
So, let’s be wise about who and what we listen to. Let’s test everything by God’s Word, ask for guidance, and keep seeking God’s truth for ourselves, our families, and our country.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 