I was quick to judge my own mother harshly today for something that wasn't even a big deal, and I feel a deep sense of regret. I hope Christ will find it in His heart to forgive me.
Thank you - I struggle with judging others, thinking I know better than they do what they shd do/not do, think, wear, etc. I see their faults but not my own (apart from judging...). As a catholic this is a cause for frequent confession.
Father, could you speak more on what is and is not judgement? Thinking in terms of a parent with their children, or a manager with employees. These, and other roles, can require us to do things that might appear, or press right up against the line of, judgement. Can you clarify the difference?
I also think these things can be unclear, for example if I see someone posting or saying something about celebrating pride month, is it wrong for me to think in my head that the person is wrong?
Yeah like idk what counts as judgement because sometimes I think I’m just trying to help people and than I catch myself, and think, is that judgement? I just don’t know
Thanks Father, i like the idea of examining my behavior at the end of the day, i know its a practice that has been adopted by clergy and been helpful. I draw a distinction between judging and making an assessment and checking it out with questions. Assessments can be necessary and helpful when combined with attentive listening.
Thank you so much Father. Lately I have been asking Jesus not just for mercy but to make me good, at 82 I haven't much time to correct so many things and you have been he answer to that prayer.
Father. Another beautiful lesson. I have been learning so much for you and I can’t thank you enough for your videos. I try to use the tools and books you use as well
I judge people too much and I also judge myself harshly . This sin is so heavy and I feel tired from it. I remember once I was furious at my boss for some decision he made . I was so angry and I didn't know how to handle this anger so I started praying for him and suddenly my anger subsided and I started feeling empathy and even love for him. But every day it's a challenge, I live in Bucharest, I talk and meet with dozens of people every day and it's really hard to guard my mind and heart from this sin. Thank you for the advice father
Dear Father Paul. I thank Our Lord Jesus Christ for inspiring you to make this incredible videos with so much teaching, and compassion, thank you so much. May the Grace of Our Lord, the protection of the most Holy Theotokos be with you 🤗
Very helpful advice, thank you! By my old age I am judging people less and less but this tendency still slips in every now and again. Prostrations would be difficult now for me but I will use the short invocation! I am using similar tactics with nasty or mocking or blaspheming voices in my head - I know they are not mine! I mock them back, I call them out, I tell them I can see through them. I find it very effective.
Fr. Paul, I wonder if that prayer is inspired by Psalm 61/62 where verse 4 mentions all the murderers, and verse 5 says that they inwardly curse (judge?). Powerful, short prayer. Thanks!!
My issue with judgemnts comes only when Theology or Orthodoxy specifically is being mentioned in a debate.But, I feel also we make a lot of "loving judgments" in our lives like with family or close friends for their own sake. Like when I try to stop my parents from smoking for example.
As a patriarch of the family, one must be judging left and right on a daily basis as various issues arise within the family whether we like it or not. Perhaps this advice applies to people who are not in a position to run family or brotherhood of monks or are not in any position that requires decisions making.
Judging the PERSON is the problem. The use of discernment is necessary to judge what we see in the world… whether it is righteous or not, helpful or harmful. But condemning the person - especially on a self-righteous manner - is specifically condemned by Christ.
