Called to Discern: Protecting the Heart of the Church~Unity

Called to Discern: Protecting the Heart of the Church-Unity! 

In an age of opinions, platforms, and constant noise, even within the church, discernment has never been more essential. As believers, we are not only called to love and serve one another but we are also called to discern, by testing what we hear, see, and choose to follow through the lens of God’s Word, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

Not every voice that sounds spiritual is speaking from a place of wisdom or alignment with God. Sometimes advice is masked in kindness but rooted in offense, pride, division, or even rebellion. If we’re not careful, we can unknowingly allow the wrong voices to influence our hearts, our decisions, and ultimately, the unity and purity of the Body of Christ.

The church is meant to be a reflection of Christ, full of truth, love, grace, and accountability. But when gossip, personal agendas, or unhealed wounds shape our counsel, we put the very heart of the church, unity at risk. We begin to divide where we should be reconciling. We withhold love where we should be healing. We become suspicious where we should be trusting.

This is a call back to spiritual discernment, to wise and Spirit-led counsel and relationships, and to love that does not compromise truth. Let us protect what matters most: the heart of the Church, our unity, our witness, and our faithfulness to Jesus Christ.

Not all advice is godly. Not every word spoken to you, even in the name of wisdom or concern, comes from a pure place. Some counsel may sound sincere, even spiritual. Still, it can be rooted in hidden offense, unresolved pain, jealousy, or even a demonic agenda designed to create confusion and division, especially against the innocent.

This is why Scripture warns us to test the spirits to see whether they are from God (1 John 4:1 NIV). Some voices are not concerned about your well-being. They are invested in protecting their own bias, pride, or position. Some guidance is not to build you up, but to turn your heart against someone God never told you to walk away from.

Let's meditate on this passage.

“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.” Galatians 5:19-26 NLT

Here we see the Unity of the church was at risk; The churches in Galatia were experiencing division, pride, and jealousy, likely due to the false teaching and legalism being promoted. Paul calls the believers to reject conceit, avoid provoking or envying one another, and instead pursue humility and unity as evidence of the Spirit’s work in their lives.

Paul urges believers to stop living according to their old sinful desires and instead surrender fully to the Holy Spirit, allowing His character to be formed in every part of their lives. This Spirit-led life results in personal transformation and healthier, Christ-centered churches and communities.

A Word of Caution to the Vulnerable

When you are especially vulnerable, grieving, angry, unsure, or hurt, you are more susceptible to accepting misguided counsel. But remember, discernment is not suspicion. It is a Spirit-led ability to separate truth from deception, love from manipulation, and conviction from condemnation.

If you’re in a tender place, be prayerful about who you allow to speak into your life. Don’t mistake flattery, familiarity, or spiritual language for truth. Some people may sound helpful but are simply echoing their own trauma, agendas, ill intentions, or feeding a spirit of division.

The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. Proverbs 12:15 (NIV)

Seek wise counsel rooted in the fruit of the Spirit, gentleness, humility, truth, and love. Ask God to guard your heart and reveal the deeper motives behind what you’re hearing. Trust that His Spirit will give you peace where there is truth and unrest where there is deception.

A Loving Reminder to the Offender

If you are the one offering counsel, check your heart. Are your words driven by love or laced with envy, jealousy, hurt, judgment, or nefarious intentions?

Are you offering truth or sowing discord behind the veil of concern?

There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him. A false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. Proverbs 6:16 and 19 (NIV)

Do not become an agent of chaos, division, confusion, malice, or manipulation. God sees the motives of the heart. If your advice causes someone to hate, harm, mistreat, or misjudge another person, you are out of alignment with God’s will and plan. 

Jesus gave us a clear path for handling offense, If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. Matthew 18:15 (NIV). No harbor malice and hate towards someone then create a negative narrative around their name or family to fuel your hate, fear, or ungodly intentions. Do as the Word of God says and speak to them directly, if it is not resolved follow the steps in this passage…

“But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.” Matthew 18:16-17 NLT

Refuse to resort to; Lies, gossip, rejection, false narratives, division or disunity, whispers or silence, character assassination; but choose instead, direct, honest, loving, truth-filled communication. 

Where There Is Confusion, Beware

Where you find confusion, hatred, division, envy, gossip, malice, or evil-speaking, there is a nefarious spirit or plan at work. These things are not from God. They are from the enemy, whose mission is always the same: to steal, kill, and destroy.

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10 NLT 

God is not the author of confusion but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). He calls us to live in unity, speak truth in love, and walk humbly with one another.

Strengthening the Body of Christ

Let us be people who make the work of our pastors, leaders, and fellow believers lighter, not heavier. Let us be those who promote love, truth, unity, peace, holiness, and righteousness in our homes, churches, workplaces, and communities. Wherever we go, may our presence reflect the heart and mission of Jesus Christ.

Let's not harbor or promote lies, jealousy, envy, gossip, comparison, or hidden offense. Instead, Let us commit to healthy friendships and relationships. Relationships rooted in honesty, love, accountability, grace, and mutual respect, These connections reflect the Kingdom of God and are essential for a thriving body of believers.

Let us also be committed to healing, hope, inclusion, reconciliation, and bridge-building. The Church was never meant to be divided into camps of status, race, class, or personality. We are called to be one, unified by the Spirit and bound together by love.

We must tear down the walls of hate, pride, bitterness, and division and begin building bridges of compassion, empathy, grace, and understanding. The world is watching. How we love one another speaks louder than any invitation to church or sermon we preach.

Let love, truth, peace, holiness, and righteousness reign among us. When we allow the Spirit of God to purify our hearts and unify us in mission and purpose, the Body of Christ becomes stronger, healthier, and fully equipped to carry out the commission Jesus left us, to seek and save the lost.

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35 (NIV)

That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:21 (NIV)

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10 (NIV)

Reflection Questions

1. Have I taken someone’s advice without praying or testing its alignment with God’s Word and character

2. Have I ever repeated something harmful about someone without knowing the full truth or speaking to them first

3. Is there someone I’ve judged, distanced myself from, or advised others against without truly seeking understanding or reconciliation

4. Am I currently being used by the enemy, knowingly or unknowingly, to sow division, confusion, or mistrust in someone’s life

5. What is God calling me to do right now to restore love, truth, and peace in my relationships

Call to Action

This week, take inventory of the voices in your life and your own voice in the lives of others

Pray for discernment

Repent where necessary

Reconcile where possible

Speak the truth but always in love

Refuse to be used by the enemy to harm or divide

If you’ve been on the receiving end of divisive advice, ask God to heal your heart and show you the truth. If you’ve been the one spreading confusion, ask Him to cleanse your heart and help you make it right.

Final Word: A Loving Reminder

God desires that we walk in unity, not division

In healing, not harm, In truth, not whispers, In love, not fear

We are one body in Christ, and when one part suffers, we all suffer. Let us not become pawns in a demonic plan to destroy relationships, churches, or communities through slander, suspicion, or silence.

Let’s be bold enough to confront wrong but wise enough to do it in love. Let’s be humble enough to receive correction but discerning enough to reject manipulation. Let’s be Christlike enough to build, not break

Let everything we do reflect the heart of our Savior, full of grace, truth, and redeeming love. 

If this message spoke to your heart or encouraged you in any way, I invite you to share it with someone you love, someone whose heart, soul, and future you deeply care about.

We are living in a time when truth, love, and accountability are needed more than ever. Let’s be intentional about building each other up in Christ, walking in the Spirit, and protecting those we love from manipulation and deception. 

📖 May we all continue to grow in love, grace, wisdom, and truth, together.

God bless you always.

With love,

Waydia 🩷💜