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When we discern that people are not going on spiritually and allow the discernment to turn to criticism, we block our way to God. God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede
Oswald Chambers
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes that discernment should lead to intercession rather than criticism, as criticism can hinder spiritual growth.

Oswald Chambers highlights the importance of discernment in our spiritual lives, suggesting that the ability to perceive others' spiritual stagnation should not lead us to criticize them. Instead, discernment is a tool for intercession, enabling us to pray for and support those who may be struggling in their faith. Focusing on constructive action rather than judgment allows individuals to maintain a closer relationship with God and encourages a more compassionate approach to spirituality.

Themes

DiscernmentSpiritualityCriticismIntercessionGod

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about spiritual growth, one might say, 'As Oswald Chambers reminds us, it's important not to criticize but to intercede for those who are struggling.'

More from Oswald Chambers

Certainty is the mark of the commonsense life-gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life.
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Never make the blunder of trying to forecast the way God is going to answer your prayer.
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Service is the overflow which pours from a life filled with love and devotion. But strictly speaking, there is no call to that. Service is what I bring to the relationship and is the reflection of my identification with the nature of God.
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When we preach the love of God there is a danger of forgetting that the Bible reveals not first the love of God but the intense, blazing holiness of God, with His love at the center of that holiness.
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It is much easier to do something than to trust in God; we mistake panic for inspiration.
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Service is the overflow which pours from a life filled with love and devotion.
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