Receiving Guidance with Discernment
Today’s devotional
Being teachable can feel vulnerable. A suggestion may touch an old embarrassment, and a well-meant correction may arrive when you are already tired. Yet life with others also gives us knowledge we could not acquire alone. Receiving guidance wisely involves humility and judgment together, with room to ask who is speaking and what their counsel requires.
Acts introduces Apollos as a learned and enthusiastic teacher whose understanding still had room to grow. Priscilla and Aquila heard him and explained the way of God more accurately. Their contribution became part of his continuing service. The account gives us a picture of meaningful learning within relationship: existing gifts are recognized, an incomplete understanding is addressed, and a person continues to contribute.
First Thessalonians tells the community to test what it receives and hold to what is good. In its immediate setting, this instruction concerns prophetic speech. It also reminds us that openness and discernment can belong together. Respect for a guide does not remove the need to examine counsel or seek another perspective. A faithful relationship can make room for questions.
Consider an area where trustworthy guidance could help you grow. Look for someone whose conduct includes honesty, appropriate boundaries, and a willingness to acknowledge limits. Ask a specific question, listen carefully, and allow yourself time to weigh what is offered. If an earlier relationship caused harm, you may need support and distance before considering another. Teachability does not require surrendering your conscience or returning to unsafe conditions. Ask Christ for the courage to receive what is useful and the wisdom to decline what is not. Growth can include learning how to be accompanied without disappearing.
Adapted from Chapter 17: The Courage to Be Mentored in The Formative Gift of Gathering by Dr. R. C. Titus.
Read the Scripture
Open each passage and read slowly. Notice what these words reveal about God and the life before you.
Acts 18:24-28 · WEBU
24Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus. He was mighty in the Scriptures.
25This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John.
26He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside, and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
27When he had determined to pass over into Achaia, the brothers encouraged him; and wrote to the disciples to receive him. When he had come, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace;
28for he powerfully refuted the Jews, publicly showing by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 · WEBU
19Don’t quench the Spirit.
20Don’t despise prophecies.
21Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good.
22Abstain from every form of evil.
Pause and respond
For reflection
Where could I receive helpful guidance while continuing to exercise thoughtful judgment and appropriate boundaries?
A practice for today
Identify one question you would like to explore with a trustworthy person. Ask about their perspective, consider it alongside Scripture and relevant knowledge, and give yourself time before making a decision.
A prayer
God of wisdom, help me welcome learning without abandoning discernment. Give me courage to acknowledge what I do not know and patience to consider wise counsel. Lead me toward companions who respect truth and conscience. Let the guidance I receive deepen my capacity to love and serve. Amen.
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