In Tim Challies’ book The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment, he offers a long and a short definition of Christian discernment:
“Discernment is a process of prayerful reflection which leads a person or community to understanding of God’s call at a given time or in particular circumstances of life. It involves listening to God in all the ways God communicates with us: in prayer, in the scriptures, through the Church and the world, in personal experience, and in other people.” (Page 53)
“Discernment is the skill of understanding and applying God’s Word with the purpose of separating truth from error and right from wrong.” (Page 60)
See other Helpful Definitions.