Right, Wrong, Good or Bad?
We could all use discernment in 2026!
Originally posted on LinkedIn last week, this observation quickly became my most popular post of the year - it’s only January so let’s not get too excited…||
|| Do you ever notice a specific word, repeated in a variety of settings - embraced by multiple people? Perhaps it's like noticing 11:11 or 3:33.
I'm calling it. This could be the word of 2026...it's everywhere (even I used it recently in a post when describing the application of wisdom).
Discernment - Noun; the ability to judge well
A simple search provides further clarity - thanks to AI consolidating multiple references (Cited). Using this you can adopt it, embrace it, use it effectively.
✨ AI Overview
Discernment is the ability to judge well, perceive subtle differences, and make wise decisions, especially when things aren't obvious, involving keen insight, understanding, and perception to separate truth from error or good from bad.
It's about deep understanding, critical thinking, and recognizing underlying motives or qualities, moving beyond superficial appearances to grasp what's truly important, often used in spiritual contexts to distinguish between divine and worldly influences.
Key Aspects of Discernment
Perception: The capacity to notice details and patterns that others might miss, like an expert perfumer detecting subtle scents.
Judgment: Making accurate and intelligent choices based on observations, distinguishing between right/wrong, true/false, or genuine/counterfeit.
Insight: A deep, penetrating understanding that goes beyond the surface, revealing the true nature or motives of something or someone.
Distinction: The skill to separate what's important or true from what isn't, often requiring careful thought and reflection.
In Different Contexts
Everyday Life: Choosing good friends, understanding complex movies, or making smart personal choices.
Spiritual/Religious: In Christianity, it's the ability to judge between God's guidance and other influences, distinguishing righteous actions from evil ones.
Professional: A discerning chef has a refined palate; a good leader shows discernment in selecting candidates.
How it's Developed
⭐ Slowing down and reflecting.
⭐ Seeking new perspectives.
⭐ Engaging in prayer and deep relationships (especially in spiritual contexts).
⭐ Practicing critical thinking and examining information carefully.
We could all benefit by developing discernment in 2026 💕 in fact given the misinformation that circulates regularly we need to employ it today.
References: Merriam-Webster Dictionary; Vocabulary.com; Kenneth Copeland Ministeries Australia.
Photo credit: Kirra - a cropped image of a younger me.