“When one receives grace, there is then need for the greatest prudence and discernment. God gives these to the person that asks Him for them so that He may serve God in the Spirit Whom he receives, and also that he may not be conquered by evil and be deceived, led astray through ignorance, presumption, and carelessness by acting against all that the Lord wills.” (St. Macarius the Great)
“The hard part of the Christian journey comes after we receive grace that opens our hearts to God and the initial enthusiasm that comes with it. It’s like the passionate part in the beginning of marriage. Once that cools what then? We need the wisdom and discernment to continue to grow in our relationship with God or we become like the seed that received the word with joy but then fell away (Luke 8:13).” (Sacramental Living Blog)
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to force something to happen before it was the right time, and how many times that action ruined everything. Discernment is a virtue that becomes absolutely necessary for a mature Christian life. Discernment sets me free to live life at the proper pace and to be patient with others, knowing they are fighting a hard battle.” (Father Barnabas Powell)
“The eyes of the Lord look continuously into our own hearts to see if we serve Him. No niche or secret recess within the human heart remains hidden from the Lord…every issue in this life begins and ends in our hearts. Let us never forget that “the hearts of those without discernment are not safe” (Prv 15:8). Our Lord Jesus adds, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me” (Jn 14:1). The spiritual health or malaise of the heart has daily and eternal significance.” (OCPM 3/28/2017)
“Discernment is a gift from God.” (Dynamis 8/30/2012)