Begin to Discern Your Charisms - Its All About Love: Growing Intimacy with Jesus

Discernment of Charisms

Discerning your charisms, the unique gifts bestowed upon you by the Holy Spirit, can be a profound and life-changing experience. It’s a journey of self-discovery, fueled by prayer, reflection, and engagement with your community.

First let’s talk about what Charisms are not:

Charisms v. Natural Talents or Abilities:

Charisms and natural talents are both gifts that can enrich our lives and contribute to the world around us, but they differ in some key aspects:

Origin:

Charisms: These gifts are believed to be bestowed by the Holy Spirit, emanating from a divine source. They are not earned through practice or effort but freely given as tools for service and building up the Church.
Natural Talents: These abilities come from our innate talents, skills, and personality traits. They are developed through learning, experience, and practice.

Purpose:

Charisms: Their primary purpose is to serve the Church and others. They are oriented towards building up the community, sharing faith, and spreading love.
Natural Talents: These can be used for personal fulfillment, career success, or simply enjoyment. While they can be used for good, their purpose is not inherently spiritual or directed towards serving others.

Motivation:

Charisms: These gifts are often accompanied by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to use them for God’s glory. People may feel a strong inner prompting or call to utilize their charism.
Natural Talents: While passion and enjoyment can motivate us to hone our skills, the primary motivation for utilizing them is personal satisfaction, achievement, or simply the joy of doing something well.

Manifestation:

Charisms: These gifts may not always align with our natural strengths or preferences. They can manifest in unexpected ways, sometimes exceeding our perceived capabilities.
Natural Talents: These abilities typically align with our natural personality traits and aptitudes. We tend to be drawn to activities and areas where these talents flourish.

Supernatural element:

Charisms: While not always miraculous, they can sometimes manifest in ways that transcend our natural capabilities. This might involve a heightened sense of wisdom, an unexplainable ability to connect with others, or a profound impact on the recipient of their service.
Natural Talents: While impressive and valuable, they remain within the realm of human potential and don’t typically involve supernatural elements.

Ultimately:

Both charisms and natural talents are gifts to be cherished and used responsibly. By recognizing their differences, we can better understand their purpose and utilize them in ways that serve God and uplift others.

Remember, discernment is key. While some talents might seem inherently spiritual, true charisms are often accompanied by a sense of purpose beyond personal gain and a desire to serve the Church and others.

While both acquired skills and charisms are valuable assets that can benefit ourselves and others, they differ in key aspects:

Charisms vs. Acquired Skills:

Origin:

Acquired skills: These are developed through learning, practice, and dedication. They require effort and commitment to master, and their level of proficiency depends on individual investment and aptitude.
Charisms: These gifts are believed to be bestowed by the Holy Spirit, emanating from a divine source. They are not earned but freely given, often exceeding natural abilities and defying easy explanation.

Purpose:

Acquired skills: These abilities serve various purposes, from personal fulfillment and career success to solving practical problems and contributing to society. Their primary aim is not inherently spiritual.
Charisms: These gifts are primarily directed towards building up the Church, sharing faith, and spreading love. They are tools for service and upliftment, aiming to contribute to a greater spiritual good.

Motivation:

Acquired skills: The pursuit of mastery, personal growth, or achieving specific goals typically drives the development and use of these abilities.
Charisms: While personal satisfaction might accompany using a charism, the primary motivation stems from a deeper sense of purpose, often a desire to serve God and others.

Manifestation:

Acquired skills: These abilities are honed through deliberate practice and training, and their manifestation reflects invested effort and acquired knowledge.
Charisms: These gifts may manifest in unexpected ways, sometimes surpassing natural capabilities or exceeding the individual’s understanding. They can appear suddenly or evolve over time.

Supernatural element:

Acquired skills: These abilities reside within the realm of human potential and don’t typically involve supernatural elements.
Charisms: While not always miraculous, they can sometimes transcend human limitations, exhibiting an unexplainable efficacy or impact that points towards divine influence.

Discernment:

Acquired skills: Their purpose and use are determined by individual choices and goals.
Charisms: Discerning the purpose and application of a charism requires prayer, reflection, and often seeking guidance from spiritual leaders.

Remember:

Both acquired skills and charisms are valuable gifts. Recognizing their differences helps us appreciate their unique roles and use them effectively.
While some skills might be used for spiritual purposes, true charisms are often accompanied by a sense of purpose beyond personal gain and a desire to serve the Church and others.
Discernment is crucial, especially when considering the potential spiritual nature of charisms.

So How do I Go About Discerning My Charisms:

Discerning Your Charisms: A Detailed Guide

Cultivating a Discernment Mindset:

Embrace a Spirit of Prayer: This is the foundation of your journey. Dedicate time each day to prayer and reflection, inviting the Holy Spirit to reveal your charisms. This could include:
- Daily prayer: Start with quiet reflection, meditation, or Lectio Divina. Open your heart to God’s whispers and promptings.
- Specific discernment prayers: Many resources offer prayers specifically designed for discerning charisms.
- Retreats or workshops: Consider attending structured retreats or workshops focused on discernment.
Develop a Habit of Journaling: Regularly record your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, especially after prayer or acts of service. Pay attention to:
- Recurring themes: What topics, emotions, or experiences consistently draw you in?
- Moments of joy and fulfillment: When do you feel most energized and purposeful?
- Areas where you feel naturally gifted: What skills or talents come easily to you and resonate deeply?

Seeking Insight and Guidance:

Find a Spiritual Director: A trusted spiritual guide can offer invaluable support and guidance on your discernment journey. They can help you interpret your experiences and offer objective perspectives.
Engage Your Community: Discuss your experiences with trusted friends, family, or fellow believers who know you well. Their observations and feedback can be insightful.
Join Discernment Groups: Participating in a group with others exploring their charisms can provide a supportive and encouraging environment. Share your experiences, learn from others, and pray together.

Active Exploration and Observation:

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: Don’t be afraid to try new things! Explore different ministries, volunteer opportunities, or activities within your community. Be open to unexpected experiences.
Observe Your Impact: Pay attention to how your actions and words affect others. Do they express appreciation for specific gifts you possess? Do you feel a sense of peace and fulfillment in your service?
Seek Confirmation: Remember, discernment is a journey, not a sprint. As you explore and reflect, pray for signs of confirmation from the Holy Spirit. These might be:
- Internal peace and clarity: Does a specific path bring you a sense of inner peace and confidence?
- External opportunities: Do doors open unexpectedly, aligning with your potential charisms?
- Connections and confirmations: Do others share your observations about your gifts, affirming your discernment?

Remember:

Discernment is a journey, not a destination: Be patient and trust the process. It may take time to discover your charisms clearly.
Focus on serving others: Your charisms are not meant for self-promotion but to build up the Church and serve God’s mission.
Open your heart to the Holy Spirit: Trust in God’s guidance and be willing to follow where He leads.

Additional Resources:

Catholic Charismatic Renewal International: https://www.ccri.com/
Catherine of Siena Institute: https://siena.org/
National Catholic Charismatic Renewal Service: https://www.nsc-chariscenter.org/
Books: “Discovering Your Gifts” by John Claypool, “The Discernment of Spirits” by St. Ignatius Loyola

Sharing

Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age

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Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post