The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast Fr. Mike Says You Should Judge People (Kind Of)
Jul 10, 2025
Exploring Jesus's message on judgment, the discussion emphasizes the difference between discerning right from wrong and condemning others. Self-reflection and humility are key components to understanding this teaching. Listeners are encouraged to approach others with curiosity and compassion, fostering understanding instead of quick judgment. It’s all about balancing accountability with love.
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Judging Actions vs Hearts
- Jesus' command "Do not judge" does not mean we can't discern right from wrong.
- Christians must assess actions but not condemn hearts because only God knows hearts.
Why Jesus Says You Should Judge Actions But Not Hearts
Jesus' command to "do not judge" is often misunderstood. He does not forbid us from discerning right from wrong or calling out behaviors that hurt others. Instead, he forbids condemning people's hearts since only God can truly know their intentions.
We must first look at our own faults before assessing others'. Jesus calls us to approach others with humility, curiosity, and compassion, asking questions like, "What do you mean by that?" rather than immediately condemning.
Key points include:
- Judge actions, not hearts
- Fill gaps in understanding with trust when possible
- Be curious and compassionate towards others' behaviors
- Always start self-examination before addressing others
This balanced approach reflects Jesus' full teaching and the Golden Rule: "Do to others what you would have them do to you."
Judge Yourself First, Then Others
- First assess your own behavior before judging others, following Jesus' teaching on the beam and splinter.
- Approach others' wrong behavior with curiosity and ask "What's really going on?" before condemning.