Discernment means to see the inner motivation of the heart of something or someone. To see them as they really are before God. Discernment then allows you to love and teach with Wisdom into what really needs to be addressed. Jesus only did what He discerned the Father was doing. That’s the key.

Discernment then precedes prophecy or intervention, in that we cannot plant words without understanding how God is doing do. It’s a useful pre-tool in actually helping others. Then you are not ministering to their surface questions, but to what their hearts are asking! And you are also not helping others for your own needs! The woman at the well had many questions, but Jesus addressed her real questions. He did the same with religious leaders. He discerned their hearts, so taught accordingly. Helping people get to their real heart’s questions, is a great service. Discernment is the key to doing so.