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“Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not
perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your
brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the
wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam
from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the
splinter from your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:3–5
It is easy to judge another. A certain satisfaction comes from it;
otherwise, one would not engage in such an action. In fact, every
sin we commit brings with it a certain degree of satisfaction. Of
course, the satisfaction is purely emotional, passing, disordered,
and ultimately very destructive to our souls.
A judgmental heart presumes the worst about another’s words or
actions. The Catechism of the Catholic Church warns against
rash judgment as an offense against truth (CCC 2477). We
commit this sin when we assume, without sufficient evidence, the
moral fault of another. This often manifests as gossip, detraction,
or slander. While gossip may sometimes involve truth, it becomes
sinful when it harms another’s reputation without a just cause.
Detraction needlessly exposes another’s real faults, while slander
distorts the truth and spreads falsehood. Each of these acts flows
from a heart that finds disordered satisfaction in condemning
rather than in mercy.
Every time we judge another unfairly—whether through interior
criticism or public condemnation—we fall into this sin. To remedy
this, we must examine our motivations. Sin is deceptive, especially
to the one who commits it.
The sin of judging another is particularly insidious because it
often feels justified, even appearing as a moral obligation. This
was the sin of the scribes and Pharisees. They judged others,
interpreting the Law of Moses through their rigid traditions rather
than true righteousness. Their self-righteousness convinced them
they were acting in God’s name. But they were blinded by pride,
which not only harmed others but also endangered their
souls.
A judgmental heart is difficult to overcome. Doing so requires
shedding disordered feelings and hurts and turning to the light of
God’s Wisdom. This will hurt because we must admit our sin. When
another’s words or actions offend us, it is even harder to face our
own sin first. Jesus makes it clear, however, that unless we first
remove the “wooden beam” in our own eye, we cannot remove the
“splinter” in another’s.
The only way to remove the wooden beam in our own eye is to grow in
the virtue of mercy. We must love every sinner—especially those who
have harmed us—to such a degree that every passion of our soul is
transformed by mercy. With our minds, we must perceive and embrace
God’s truth about mercy, and with our wills, we must choose it.
Only when we do so over and over again—forming a habit, or
virtue—will our passions align with mercy.
The good news—for us and for those we tend to judge—is that when
the virtue of mercy permeates not only our minds and wills but also
our feelings and passions, we begin to discover freedom from the
disordered satisfaction that trapped us in our judgmental hearts.
From there, enlightened by God’s wisdom and grace, we will be able
to lovingly, compassionately, and sincerely help others see the
error of their ways—not by judging and condemning them, but by
loving them and guiding them toward the same freedom in
Christ.
Reflect today on any sinful habits you struggle with, especially a
judgmental heart. Do you ever feel justified in your judgment of
others? Is there a degree of disordered satisfaction you gain from
that sin? Humble yourself before God’s mercy if these questions
challenge you, and don’t be afraid to acknowledge the wooden beam
in your eye. Beg for freedom from a judgmental spirit and embrace
the far greater gift of mercy. Though challenging, such an exercise
is ultimately freeing and will enable you to assist those who need
God’s mercy the most.
Most merciful God, I come before You and humbly acknowledge my
struggle with a judgmental heart. When I am hurt or offended, I am
tempted to lash out, condemn, and presume the worst of others. But
You, O Lord, see all things with perfect wisdom and mercy. Please
free me from this sin, purify my heart, and transform me into an
instrument of Your love and compassion. May I judge no one apart
from Your Truth and Justice, and may I always extend the mercy that
I myself long to receive. Jesus, I trust in You.
Image: The Sermon On the Mount, by Carl Heinrich Bloch
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