reflection and discussion questions: 

1. Jean said that discernment is "the ability to use knowledge and experience to choose the right course of action."  Consider a time when you needed to make a choice about something that was not clearly about what is right or wrong (like choosing a major in college, making a career change, or deciding to get married). 

2. What was the difference in that situation between doing what "felt right" and making the wise choice?

3. Jean referred to discernment being like a 3-legged stool: Scripture, Tradition, and Wise Counsel.  Why are all three of these necessary?  Consider, for example, why Wise Counsel alone is not sufficient for sound discernment.

4. Read 1 John 4:1-17.  Jean gave us four questions we should ask in order to help us determine a right course of action.  Read these over and discuss the importance of each in biblical decision-making.

   • Does it bear witness to the Incarnation? (that is, does it take into account Jesus' identity as both God and man?)

   • Does it contradict Scripture?

   • Does it line up with the whole gospel?

   • What kind of fruit does it bear?

5. Read the following passages one at a time and consider what there is to learn about discernment in each:  2 Cor. 2:12-13, Heb. 5:13-14, Matt. 7:15, Rom. 12:2, 1 Cor. 2:12-16

6. In 1 Corinthians 5:12 Paul says, "What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?"  Many people believe we are not to judge at all.  But Paul here is saying that we can't expect people outside the faith to live according to the faith.  Those of us in the Church, however, should be held accountable for how we believe and act.  What do you think is the key to judging rightly?  (See Matt. 7:1-3)

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