Thinking First To Grow Discernment

Learning to think before acting, speaking or writing is one of the most important skills in life. Pausing to think not only builds the capacity for this fortnight’s thread of restraint but also for discernment. Learning to act from a positive purpose with high regard for the dignity and wellbeing of others shifts from having to control or be controlled, to the higher moral capacity of being able to make ethical choices consistent with our values. Educating young people about the impact of their decisions on others through the restorative approach aims to grow this capacity to think first and to make choices that reflect respect for the wellbeing of themselves, others and the planet. People who have this skill of pausing and being discerning in their interactions often have a quiet powerful presence. They have developed the capacity to walk gently with strength and good purpose.

God gave us the capacity to make choices and has provided stories within the Bible as a guide for reflection and growth of discernment and wisdom. Central to this growth is to see God’s Word as an invitation to grow with the responsibility and freedom to ruminate over deeper meanings rather than view the Bible as a list of rules. Pausing to dig deep and reflect enables us to grow deeply from within. Light shines into our hearts to enable discernment and wisdom to unfurl.