Mind reading?

[User64]

Hi,

I have a girlfriend who believes she can "read people's minds". From what she's told me, it's not actualy knowing what people are thinking, but more of what they're feeling.

Like for example, she could tell if a person likes a car, or what meal a person wants from a menu.

At first I simply thought she was just good at reading expresions and stuff, and I've brought it up with her before. But I'm thinking she actualy be able to. Neither of us have been able to find anything about this kind of stuff in the bible. Since we can't find anything about it in the bible, we're wondering if it's something not of God...Or is she just amazingly good at telling how poeple feel? (You know how sometimes you can tell if someone's nervous, or if they're excited about doing something, etc)
She's also prophetic. Something like this has nothing to do with being prophetic, right?

So yeah, basicaly I'm asking if anyone knows of anything in the bible about this sort of thing, or if anyone else experiences something like this, or if anyone knows of a "logical" explanation for why she can "read people's minds".
Any insight would be appreciated. =)

 

[indra_fanatic]

Well, has she made any conscious effort to cultivate this "gift", or is it completely natural? Does she have any history of involvement in trappings of the occult?
Brian

 

[Joykins]

All superheroes must use their powers for good.

 

[billwald]

She should test her skills in Reno at the poker table.

 

[holo]

All superheroes must use their powers for good.

Oh my, that had me laughing out loud. Say more like that, and I'll propose.

I think it's cool that you friend has such an ability. I tend to believe people are way more gifted than we're giving God credit for, and I think many times we attribute them to the devil instead.

 

[User64]

Well, has she made any conscious effort to cultivate this "gift", or is it completely natural? Does she have any history of involvement in trappings of the occult?
Brian

She receieved it naturaly, and as far as I know, she hasn't tried anything to "cultivate" the ability further. Although, if you have an ability that you like, odds are you would try and cultivate it further. If you can draw very well, then odds are, you'll practise, and read books, and try and develop your skill further.

But yeah, she was born with this "gift", and has been raised as a Christian, and she wouldn't try and develop her gift further through the ocult.

So the gift is natural, and she has had no history of involvement in trappings of the occult.

All superheroes must use their powers for good.

No, all superheroes must use their powers to get rich playing poker in reno, then give their boyfriend some of that money. =P

I tend to believe people are way more gifted than we're giving God credit for, and I think many times we attribute them to the devil instead.

It's just that I've never heard of any other christian capable of doing that.
The people who claim they can do that generaly sit in front of a crystal ball, wearing a turban, surrounded by candles.
I havn't been able to find any christian books or websites with ANYTHING about being able to "read minds", so we're just wondering if it's of god, since no other christian seems to be able to do this.

 

[holo]

Oh, I personally know a few with abilities like this. And I'm sure there are many more. Some contribute it to a special gift from God, some think it's simply natural but that not everybody knows their potential, for others it's just "a thing."

I certainly hope she's not afraid it's of the devil.

 

[Jipsah]

I have a girlfriend who believes she can "read people's minds". From what she's told me, it's not actualy knowing what people are thinking, but more of what they're feeling.

OK.

At first I simply thought she was just good at reading expresions and stuff

That'd be my bet.

Neither of us have been able to find anything about this kind of stuff in the bible.

'Cause there isn't anything there on the topic.

She's also prophetic. Something like this has nothing to do with being prophetic, right?

What does "prophetic" mean? A prophet is someone to whom God speaks; a prophecy is an announcement of what God has said, and usually begins "Thus says the Lord God...". I'd be very careful with claims of that sort.

if anyone knows of a "logical" explanation for why she can "read people's minds".

I'd go back to the expression reading thing, if the add-in that she's "prophetic" hadn't poisoned the well for me. That tends to make it sound like the new-agers who can "see auras" and "sense energies" and a lot of other imaginary stuff.

But as someone else suggested, let her sit down at a poker table and put her "talent" to the proof. I'd bet you money that her gift suddenly deserts her.

 

[Joykins]

Being able to tell what people are feeling won't necessarily tell you what cards they're holding.

Your girlfriend is obviously a Betazoid.

Empathy is a great gift; there are many ways to use it for helping people.

 

[holo]

a Betazoid.

Isn't that something out of Star Trek?

 

[amx]

Quote

Originally Posted by: Joykins

a Betazoid.


Isn't that something out of Star Trek?

Yes and if you marry the girl wedding attire will be very inexpensive.

 

[intricatic]

It's called empathy, not mind reading, and there are many people with that tallent.

 

[Celticflower]

Personally I find the idea of mind reading to be a waste of time. Most people's minds aren't worth reading.

 

[intricatic]

Personally I find the idea of mind reading to be a waste of time. Most people's minds aren't worth reading.

Only too true.

 

[Eruliel]

The only thing I can think about that would go against empathy and any other mind thing would be the Mosaic laws against phsycics, but empathy could also be viewed as the Gift of Discernment, so in the end I think it all depends on how your friend uses her ability. As a Christian she'll seek to honor God with it and to edify the church, so I think it falls under the category of Spiritual Gift.
As far as being prophetic you should be really careful. I would just let it alone and see where it goes. Ask God about it. It could be another Spiritual Gift, and if it's not just let it run it's course. Something you could do if she believes God is telling her things is compare them with the exsisting word of God. I would also study 1 Corinthians 11,12,13, and 14. Those are all about Gifts of the Spirit. I'm not sure if 11 is, but I know that 13, the Love chapter is surrounded by 12 and 14 which are chapters about the gift of the spirit.
I wish your friend the best, tell her she's not the only one in the world,
Slainte!
Eruliel.

 

[Chenoa]

Betazoid.


Isn't that something out of Star Trek?

Yes and if you marry the girl wedding attire will be very inexpensive.

Too funny!!!!

 

[bliz]

It may also be that your girlfriend has the gift of discernment, which is mentioned in the Bible. Some translations use the phrase "discernment of spirits". I have found it to be one of the gifts that seems not to be understood very well, but that does not minimize the fact that it is a gift. She might want to pray about how to make the best use of her gift and to ask God to show her how to use it more.

 

[JesusPower]

You have to ask yourself if this gift in any way helps you minister to people. Also if she feels the anoiting of the Holy Spirit when it happens. And if it has ever caused her to be burdened by it. If she knows when some is going to die then it is not of God. He would never place this kind of thing on anyone. According to what you have stated it sounds like she has great discernment. This can come by someone praying for her, for this special gift. It really needs to be evaluated carefully.
Your Brother,
Pro

 

[bliz]

You have to ask yourself if this gift in any way helps you minister to people.

Why does her gift have to help him in his ministry? Isn't her using her gift part of her ministry?

 

[*Starlight*]

That's interesting! And I don't see anything wrong with it... there are many things which are unexplained yet. No one knows how exactly human mind works, and no one can claim to know all possible laws on which the Universe is based. I believe that humans are able to do much more than it's commonly thought.