Meaning:
This quote, "Discernment is God's call to intercession, never to faultfinding" by Corrie ten Boom, speaks to the idea of using discernment as a means of understanding and seeking God's guidance, rather than using it to criticize or find fault in others. Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch Christian who, along with her family, helped many Jews escape the Nazis during World War II. Her experiences during this time greatly influenced her faith and perspective on discernment and intercession.
Discernment, in a spiritual context, refers to the ability to perceive or recognize the true nature of things, often with the help of divine guidance. It is about being able to differentiate between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, and good and evil. In the quote, ten Boom suggests that when we exercise discernment, it should lead us to intercede on behalf of others, rather than to engage in faultfinding or criticism.
Intercession is the act of intervening or praying on behalf of others. It is a selfless and compassionate act that seeks to bring about positive change or support for those in need. According to the quote, God's call to discernment should lead us to intercede, meaning that when we discern a situation or a person's needs, we should respond with prayer and action to bring about positive change, rather than engaging in faultfinding or criticism.
The contrast between intercession and faultfinding is significant in this quote. While intercession is rooted in love, compassion, and a desire to help others, faultfinding is often driven by judgment, negativity, and a focus on the shortcomings of others. By emphasizing that discernment should lead to intercession and not faultfinding, ten Boom encourages a mindset of empathy and understanding, rather than one of criticism and condemnation.
In the Christian faith, the concept of discernment is closely tied to seeking God's will and guidance. It involves being attuned to the Holy Spirit and allowing divine wisdom to inform our decisions and actions. When we discern a situation or a person's needs, it is an invitation to seek God's perspective and respond with love and compassion.
Corrie ten Boom's experiences during the Holocaust undoubtedly shaped her understanding of discernment and intercession. In the midst of great suffering and injustice, she and her family risked their lives to help those in need, demonstrating a deep commitment to intercession and compassion. Their actions were driven by a discerning awareness of the needs around them and a desire to respond with love and selflessness.
The quote can also be interpreted as a reminder to approach situations with humility and grace. Rather than being quick to criticize or find fault, we are called to seek understanding and to respond with prayer and support. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized love, compassion, and the importance of caring for others.
In conclusion, Corrie ten Boom's quote, "Discernment is God's call to intercession, never to faultfinding," encapsulates a profound understanding of the role of discernment in the Christian faith. It challenges us to use discernment as a means of seeking God's guidance and responding with compassion and intercession, rather than engaging in faultfinding and criticism. This perspective invites us to approach others with empathy and understanding, reflecting the love and grace that are central to the Christian faith.