How Can I Know That It's Actually God's Voice?

Introduction

This tutorial provides guidance on how to discern whether the voice you are hearing is genuinely God's. It outlines key questions to ask and characteristics to recognize, helping you differentiate between divine guidance, personal thoughts, and deceptive influences. Understanding these principles can bring clarity and peace in your spiritual journey.

Step 1: Evaluate the Message Against Scripture

• Check if the voice contradicts Scripture or the teachings of the Church.
• Familiarize yourself with key biblical passages and Church doctrines to use as a reference.
• If the message promotes actions or beliefs contrary to these teachings, it may not be from God.

Step 2: Identify the Characteristics of God's Voice

• Reflect on how God's voice typically sounds:
  • It is often gentle and reassuring, rather than aggressive or coercive.
  • It promotes love, peace, and joy.
• Consider the following traits of divine guidance:
  • Clarity: God's messages are clear and straightforward.
  • Consistency: They align with the nature of God as revealed in Scripture.

Step 3: Assess the Fruitfulness of the Guidance

• Look for the outcomes of following the voice:
  • Does it bring lasting peace and joy?
  • Does it lead to spiritual growth and alignment with God's will?
• If the guidance results in confusion, anxiety, or conflict, it may not be from God.

Step 4: Trust God in Small Steps

• Understand that discernment is a process that requires trust.
• Take small, faithful steps based on the guidance received.
• Observe how these actions unfold over time, noting any meaningful outcomes.

Step 5: Seek Confirmation from Others

• Discuss your experiences with trusted spiritual mentors or friends.
• They can provide insights and perspectives that may affirm or challenge your discernment.
• Utilize the community of faith for support and guidance.

Conclusion

Discerning God's voice is an important aspect of spiritual growth. By evaluating messages against Scripture, identifying the characteristics of God's communication, assessing the fruitfulness of guidance, and trusting God in small steps, you can develop a clearer understanding of divine direction. Engage with your community and continue to seek wisdom as you navigate this journey.