There are two types of discernment. The physical and the spiritual.

 The word discernment comes from the verb διακρικό = to distinguish, to see well, to interpret, to decide, to judge correctly. According to the Fathers of the Church, it is “the greatest of all virtues” (the greatest of all virtues). Anthony the Great, with his great ascetic experience, said: “Many have melted their bodies in asceticism, but because they did not have discernment, they found themselves far from God.”

There are two types of discernment. The physical and the spiritual.

Physical discernment: This discernment is possessed by few people. It is characterized as wisdom and prudence, knowledge and consideration, the ability to perceive and judge. A person should study everything, be able to correctly compare things, ideas, positions. Usually these abilities increase as maturity progresses, without this being absolute.

Spiritual discernment: It is everything that characterizes physical discernment and, in addition, the gift that the Holy Spirit gives to the person who strives humbly. The degrees of holiness are parallel to the degrees of discernment, since holiness without discernment is not ensured even for a minute.

Saint John of the Ladder says that discernment is “being able at all times, in every place and in every thing to distinguish what the will of God is. This is achieved by those who have a pure heart, a pure body and a pure mouth”.

Essentially, it is the gift that maintains balance in the life of a Christian. That is, discernment as a divine gift, dictates to you when you can do something, when you should speak and when to remain silent. Discernment distinguishes quality. It sees what is worthy or what is not worthy or how much it is worthy. Discernment distances a person from excesses that are dangerous for the spiritual life. Discernment distinguishes the right, chooses the good, judges the best, avoids extremes, walks the middle path. It searches for the best answer to a question that is posed, the appropriate solution. Discernment is necessary for everyone, but especially for those who teach, guide and advise. It does not require either excessive severity or great leniency.

The absence of discrimination gives rise to exaggeration, fanaticism, guilty silence, unjust condemnation, cowardice, slowness of spirit, obsession, a sterile and unfruitful life. In essence, it deprives the human mind and human nature of sobriety.

To acquire this charisma, effort is needed. And this effort is the observance of the commandments of Christ together with asceticism, with a constant experience of repentance and, above all, humility. Discernment comes from knowledge, experience, spiritual cultivation and maturity. It is the result of self-control, self-criticism, study and divine illumination.

The great virtue of discernment is the greatest spiritual power. It gives simplicity, patience, frugality, kindness and a deep sense of proportion. The discerning person can comfort and rest souls.