Reflection

Reflection, in a biblical context, involves meditative contemplation on God's Word and His works. It is a spiritual discipline that encourages believers to pause and consider the deeper meanings and implications of Scripture and their relationship with God. The practice of reflection is rooted in the biblical call to meditate on God's law and His deeds.

Psalm 1:2 highlights the importance of reflection: "But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." This verse underscores the blessedness of the individual who continually reflects on God's Word, allowing it to shape their thoughts and actions.

Reflection is also seen in the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus. In Luke 2:19, it is written, "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Mary's reflective nature allowed her to internalize and understand the significance of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus.

The Apostle Paul encourages believers to engage in reflection as a means of spiritual growth. In Philippians 4:8, he writes, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." This exhortation calls Christians to focus their minds on virtuous and godly matters, fostering a reflective spirit that aligns with God's will.

Discernment

Discernment is the ability to judge well, particularly in distinguishing between truth and falsehood, right and wrong, or good and evil. In the Bible, discernment is often associated with wisdom and understanding, gifts that are bestowed by God to guide His people in making righteous decisions.

The book of Proverbs frequently addresses the value of discernment. Proverbs 3:21-22 states, "My son, do not lose sight of this: Preserve sound judgment and discernment. They will be life to your soul and adornment to your neck." Here, discernment is portrayed as a vital attribute that brings life and honor to those who possess it.

The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of discernment. In 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, Paul instructs believers, "Test all things. Hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil." This passage encourages Christians to exercise discernment by evaluating all teachings and practices against the truth of Scripture, retaining what is good and rejecting what is evil.

Discernment is further highlighted in the context of spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12:10, Paul lists "distinguishing between spirits" as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to discern the spiritual source of messages and actions within the church.

The pursuit of discernment is a mark of spiritual maturity. Hebrews 5:14 states, "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil." This verse suggests that discernment is developed through consistent practice and engagement with God's Word, leading to a deeper understanding of His truth.

In summary, reflection and discernment are intertwined disciplines that enable believers to grow in their faith, align their lives with God's will, and navigate the complexities of the world with wisdom and understanding. Through reflection, Christians meditate on God's Word, while discernment equips them to apply that knowledge in making sound judgments.