John 7:24 "Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” (Jesus)

It's a tough needle to thread. We have to separate a person's actions, which we can judge to be wrong, but draw the line at judging the person's heart. For some, they struggle to make that distinction.

9 out of 10 times I tear up watching Fr. Mike's videos because I'm always so humbled when he reminds me that God is so merciful! Thank you, Fr. Mike, and for your thoughtful messages and hard work. Your words always come at a time when I need to hear them.

“At the heart of all this, this judgment, is a fear that we’re not loveable.” So true!

I've been dealing with depression for years. Your videos are just like such a breath of fresh air though. I love listening to your words. They bring me so much clarity and joy. Thank you Father Mike. I've been feeling so confused and conflicted about the chaotic politics these past few years. But now I feel like a weight is lifted and everything makes so much more sense now. I decided to leave it all up to God. It's weight is too heavy on my heart. Pray for me. I'm looking forward to becoming Catholic this next year. I've been reading the Bible as well. God bless you.

It's amazing to me, that when we, as Christians speak about right and wrong, in God's eyes, you're automatically called "judgmental". Speak the Truth in Love, Jesus says. If they choose to walk away, fine.

Fr. Mike, as usual, continues to help us all to grow in our faith through understanding. God bless him!

Great talk Father. I won't judge you for reversing the "speck" and "plank". Just busting your chops. God Bless.

Funny. I am more of Protestant type of faith believing, and subconsciously was kind of already judging you just because your type of "faithing" is different from mine, thinking you might be the "wrong one", what good do you have to say.. Your video just schooled me so good! Made feel ashamed. We not so different. Thank you.

This is not only good to grow as a Catholic but eternal wisdom for everyone

I’m concerned with Gods judgement, I only desire to be pleasing in His sight. Help me Jesus to be most pleasing🙏🏻

Thank you Father Mike Schmitz. May Lord Jesus Christ be exalted.

Modern folks have the most difficult time differentiating the self from their own actions. Unfortunately, people conflate the two, making even discerning actions a personal attack. It's hard enough to watch a good person make bad choices, it's even harder to watch them identify with the sin, rather than merely admitting they're a sinner.

May the Triumph of be Immaculata arrive soon! Our Lady of Fatima pray for us!

Brown cow is fine if you wanted to know..

Thank you, Father Mike, for always making us grow in knowledge of our faith. You explain things very simply, and it's always straight to the point. God bless you always 🙏🏼 ✝️💗

I think people need to learn to judge correctly because they often jump to conclusions before having all the information. And that is the problem with judging. The act of judging is to come to a conclusion, it means to stop inquiring, stop being curious, stop gathering information and come to a judgement. Nobody ever stops to ask why is this person sinning this way, what can be done to help them not sin. I rarely see people asking questions and being curious and instead they just go around using judgemental language.

So we can judge actions, but not people´s hearts ! Thank you, Fr. Mike ! God bless you.

I remember watching one of Dr. Ramani's videos on narcissism and in her wise words she said "I never ever would say to someone: 'I would invalidate your trauma.' But I'm always gonna judge you on how you're behaving today". And I think that correlates with what Father Mike is saying in this video. We don't judge hearts and we are certainly not in position to determine whether someone's trauma is valid or not. But canceling "judgement" altogether because we are afraid of it, is not the wisest solution. But it is crucial that we judge behavior that is dangerous or damaging. This is how we uphold moral standards of what is right and wrong. And moral standards are there to regulate human behavior. And like the other video from Ascension Presents on 'Setting Boundaries'. We get the behavior that we tolerate in others and in ourselves. And I think it's also the manner in which we deliver that judgement. As Catholics, we can enforce our boundaries while delivering judgment on actions and intolerable behavior in a kind, compassionate, respectful but firm manner Loved this episode. Thank you Father Mike ! And thank the Lord for this wisdom that will lead us to live better lives and bring us closer to you ♡

Great priest. He is very compassionate and understanding. I also appreciate he tells us the truth and not as other evangelists that lie to us to attract people and make them /us feel good. I just recently heard a tv evangelist say that it is ok for a male and female to live together as a couple as long as they put God in the center of their relationship.

I think the problem is there is a distinct meaning of the word "judge" being used by Jesus. It is closer to "pass sentence on" or to "condemn". Jesus is not saying we should not admonish a sinner (which is a spiritual act of mercy). He is probably saying don't be hard-hearted and unforgiving. We must acknowledge that we are all sinners who have received God's mercy. Jesus expects us to forgive others as we have been forgiven. We should extend mercy, and we should always pray for those who have sinned and hope for their repentance instead of hating and condemning them.

Society tells people that almost nothing is immoral, but we have an innate sense of morality. Society tells people that God does not exist, but we have an innate sense that He does. That's why people are terrified of being judged. They are living according to society, but deep inside they know it's wrong and they will be judged someday.

You rock man....

I'm judged all the time, the people who judge me are fine to do it as long as they are safe in their bubble of not being judged themselves

You hit the nail on the head. I can't speak for others, but I struggle with the fear of not being loveable. Thank you for this, Father Mike. "You are mine and you are loved." That feels good to hear!

Fr Mike has a different kind of compassion...One that makes God difference in a lost and aching to be loved and to love world. Lord help us

Father Mike, hittin' it out of the park yet again. God bless you for this truly enlightening catechesis. I love sharing your videos with my family and friends.

Of course we're called to judge people's actions. Discerning between "right" and "wrong" is the core of the Faith. What we need to remember, though, is that our personal interpretation of that difference isn't the end-all-be-all. I would say that the most basic definition of a sin is an action that victimizes someone else. Anything else is a matter of heart, and we should never assume that we are better judges of a person's character than God.

LOVE YOU FATHER MIKE!

1:07 Got it backwards.. Take the plank out of your eye before the spec out of your brother's eye.

Father, a comment does not seem enough as a reply. May God bless us all. As always thanks for the videos and clear up the question of judging others.

This makes sense. Sometimes people get upset when I get upset with a friend. Well when I see them doing something that is going to hurt them, then I will speak up. I care about them and that is the reason I say something about it. Some people think I am being judgemental and mean. No. If I didn't care about them, I would not speak up. The fact I say something is because I care about them.

If we judge others then others will judge us. We grow spiritually by knowing other peoples strengths and weaknesses. We all know what is right and wrong. We are NOT disconnected by people who love us.

Great video Father. Btw, please say a prayer for us in Australia. We are going to be having a postal plebiscite on whether or not marriage should be redefined. After a very horrible "debate" about the issue for years and even more so recently, the voting forms are finally being sent out across the country next week. Hopefully the right decision is made.

Father Mike, you bring so much joy to my life. I'm so happy and proud to receive your knowledge of the Bible xxUK Thank you for sharing with us.xx

This is so so important to share. Many or I should say most Christians are very confused on this. Even I was up until 2 years ago. 🙏Amen. Father thank you for working through Fr. Mike. Please I ask you continue to bless him with the Graces needed to keep reaching us in the dark from the TRUTH.

Bless u sir!!!! You finally make religion relatable to the common person.

You're awesome, Father! Thank you for the distinction, it helps in my every day life. God bless you and everyone who works to bring us this content.

This is such a good video. Just today my kids had a Sunday school lesson by a kind-hearted older woman who meant well, but she told them that when kids want to be other genders and when their parents let them do it we should try really hard not to judge them. So now I have to tell my kids there's a difference between judging someone's heart and their state of salvation, and whether their actions are right or wrong. So tonight we're going to watch this video together.

FABULOUS DISTINCTION! Thanks, Fr. Mike.

Could you please make a video about resting on Sunday and what is allowed or not allowed. I'm a mother and wife and I don't want to sin against God by cleaning or bringing my children out to a restaurant or to the cinema. Xx

Fr. Mike, I remember the Bible says: "Be meek like the doves but sharp like the serpent". God granted us with mind and intellect to discern right from wrong and for this reason to act naive is not only "stupid" but it can be a sin, since we have the parable of the talents and we are going to be judged for what we did with the "intellect talent". There are four "cardinal virtues" and as St. Thomas Aquinas affirms: "Prudence is practical wisdom" in everyday and ordinary circumstances. In Mexico there is a popular quote that I translate: "The devil knows more as an old angel than as a devil". During the Roman Empire the "Senate", at that time, those who not only were law-makers, like nowadays, but also had executive government-decisions, belonged to the "old people", from there the latin foot "senatus" which even today has this latin root anglicized: "Senate". And this is because if we make good and profitable use of the "intellect talent", then using "practical reason" - Prudence, cardinal virtue- we acquire experience and expertise. So I agree, we must NOT judge people's heart but their deeds, since we don't want to be deceived by those "sophists" who seem like blameless lambs but they are nothing but that; then we have not only the right, but the moral duty NOT to keep silence and speak up, when something is wrong. When liars don't use anymore the word: "abortion" because is not politically correct and they say: "interruption of pregnancy", then we have to be clever "judging" and being aware that this distorted semantic expression in practical terms, plain and simple means: "murdering an innocent baby".

THANK YOU!!! I've been trying to explain this to my Catholic friends for years.

That was a wonderful speech Father. Thank you so much. God know i need it right now. I used (and still working about it) to judge people, thinking negative about other people for so so many years. I was so tired of it. On Sept 1st 2017, First Friday Mass, I went to a confession. And I said it to a priest about this, and I finally got the answer i was waiting for so many years, the priest told me to ask for God's grace for 'the purity of mind'. First time for me to hear about this. Upon hearing it, my heart was jumping, screaming..... "THAT'S IT! That's what I've been waiting for!!!" Finally i have hope again, a new thing, a new grace to ask God for, the purity of mind. Thank you for informing that it's ok to judge, but to the action of that person, not judge him/her as an individual / heart. Thank you so much Father. God bless you, and may you always be a blessing to others.

Judgements are natural God has given us each a moral.code through our feelings so when we see bad things we judge it's natural

Thanks padre for this great video.

Thank you for this explanation! So helpful🙌👍

Thank you for explaining this not to judge hearts but you can judge their actions. We not have to be afraid of peoples judgement of us but God's judgement we should care only about. Thank you!

yes it is ok to judge ive fired people many times because they intended to hurt me or hurt those i love if i didnt fire them they would just continue being abusive..forgiving doesnt work when they have no intention of stopping the abuse

The point about society not knowing right from wrong but fearing judgment was great! That clarifies so much

Thanks Fr. Mike for your encourage us to do the right and instead judge, Love, specially those who persecute us... Blessings!

I like what Fr. Smith says here. To hate the sin and not the sinner

Well said Father❣️ Thankyou❣️

Fr. Mike, I know what you mean about being judgmental towards others. It’s not easy. I remember one time when I was at work, I spoke to one of my employee friends and told her that her work efforts weren’t good enough. At first I thought I was saying something nice. But in reality, it wasn’t. So one of the high ranking employees witnessed what I said and became very angry 😤 and had me disciplined. After being yelled at, I became very upset and ashamed.

Beautifully said!!!

Thanks for the clarification

Phenomenal video Father. This has been such an issue for me, for historic reasons. However, you have clarified so many points. May God bless you, and lead others to hear the message you so wonderfully share.

Oh my! Such a great message!! Bravooooo Padre Mike!!! Thank you for sharing!

Thank you Father Mike, I needed to hear this. God bless you!

Thank you! I needed the truth!

Some ppl just have good instincts

This is such a great and necessary topic to unpack. Personally when I was young "not judging", caused the wrong people to take up space in my life, and consequently a LOT of suffering in their wake. I mean, how do protect yourself from people with personality disorders, like NPD or ASPD ??. They don't show their true colours. They mirror your goodness, they lull you into a position of co dependence on some level, then they annihilate you, mentally physically, spiritually. I was a lamb to the slaughter to put it bluntly. I'm healed, so this isn't a pity party, I'm also nearly 50 so I have a much more comprehensive understanding and viewpoint. I also have a five year old, that I want to give the skills to see/avoid and NOT have these people in his future, and yet be loving and serve his community and God. So the topic interests me greatly, and I muse on it often. Throughout my life, I've stayed away from the church, in part because so often, Christians condemn people morally with such vitriol and self righteousness, rather than with compassion, so ugly btw. And partly because as a gold standard sinner 😆 ( not boasting btw) I have a lot of what you might call "street smarts" worldy wisdom of absolutely no use within the church, but nevertheless, it was often hard to relate to many congregations.. But Jesus has always been there.. At the end of the day, I was always taught to, " love the sinner, hate the sin". But in saying that, Its clear at times, i misunderstood both the capacity and context of judgement. Father Mike walks that fine line between Judgement and Grace so beautifully. It's a skill truly, which I'm sure has been forged by the holy spirit. I'm in awe of how he broaches difficult topics and never fails to uphold the scriptures yet not exclude those perhaps feeling marginalised, embracing them in the word, in such a loving way. Just as I might add, as Jesus did. That's the kind of Christian I want to be around. That's the kind of congregation I would happily feel comfort in. Dr Mike does this with ample lashings of good humour, thoughtfulness as well as goodness. I'm often humbled by his gift. I think, I am now, fully able to discern as an adult. I do judge actions, but try and refrain from assuming hearts intent. Now I'm working on which should remain in my head, and which should come out of my mouth 😆 still working on that some days 👌🙌 I have the balance right most of the time. But I do feel for young people still trying to get that balance between love and self preservation, judgement and discernment. I learnt the hard way, and it was rough. But having someone within the church talking about this in such a great way, is truly a blessing.

Correct me if I'm wrong but my understanding (before watching this video) is that we are meant to try and avoid being judgemental about the person. But we are encouraged to correct someone particularly a fellow brother or sister in Christ if they are going astray. The reason being it's God will to save others so it should be our will too. And we need to have discernment the company we keep for our own salvation. Edit: The parent or friend example is great.

People are afraid of being judged because they know they do bad things.

God has blessed with with a good life in America for the past 32 years, but I have problems with Catholic neighbors who do not like my kind next to them, but when the need help, they come to me & act a best friend. When they need nothing I am a ghost. I'm amazed how these people work so hard to help food banks & will not be friendly with their neighbors. It is clear that a middle eastern family next to them is not in their liking. We are quite & respect all in the neighborhood, but it is hurtful for a person to only think of you when they need your help. It is very clear to me I am different class than them in their minds. Their kids graduate or marry, they come to me to tell me knowing I will provide a gift. The only gift I ask in return is that if respect. What do you think?

Wonderful video. It's so important that we have this approach in our hearts and also a great response to this objection when we judge in a Godly way.

Father, can you do a video about the Latin mass and why so many Catholics (like myself) feel such an attraction to it today?

Regarding discerning v judging I think it's cause we were thought in church from day 1 don't judge. How dare you judge when you have sin yourself etc. This is a very fine line. I wish he had a talk on this subject to expand more on the difference with use of examples. Regarding people judging us personally I hate name calling and I think that is what alot of people do they put huge rejection labels on people - selfish or manipulative or unkind or lazy etc etc. These huge sweeping statements often for no reason or because you dare say no to them or don't do what they want. or sometimes it's used as a hurtfull comeback.

Spot on, Fr. Mike! It is a tightrope we walk, isn't it? We should never condemn anyone (for we are also sinners in need of a Savior), but we should also beware of those who claim to be righteous but bear the fruit of unrighteousness. I recommend a reading of Galatians 5:13-26 for St. Paul's discussion of the acts of the flesh vs. the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Amen! Thank you

This was very well explained in my opinion. We have to judge ourselves or else how can we even recognize our own sins? How can we examine our own conscience if we cannot judge at all? How can we parent our children if we can’t judge their actions or make good decisions in life if we cannot judge the actions/behaviors of others when necessary. How can we pray for the conversion of others if we cannot judge their lives? I think the main point here is that we should not judge just for the sake of judging or to make us feel better about ourselves. I believe that is what Jesus meant.

Thank you, sir! I've been confronted with the extremities of both sides. And just learned on my end to judge the action of the person. I always not post haste judgement on a person, as the golden rule is applied. As per the actions. I can't stand to judge when I would be a hypocrite. Either past or recovering of that sin personally.

So much widsom. These videos are my daily devotional.

Brought a smile on my face 😊, thankyou so much!!

this is one of my favorite videos

I am so encouraged by your videos. Thank you. I think at least some part of the fear of being judged is that there is a piece of them that knows they are fallen and depraved, and is terrified of the wrath of a holy God. If you said it, they would deny it, but they aren't good at listening to their inner being. There are plenty of places where the explicit command is "Judge justly" and it is even said "you will judge angels". We need exceptionally good capability to judge. If they want to pick and choose, ask them why they don't know Rev 21:8 but they do know Matthew 7. Ask why they didn't pick Rev 21:8 as their "go-to" verse. They are coming to the text with an agenda outside of "discovering and retaining truth". I think your stumbling verbally at the beginning of the video helps me see your humanity. It makes your words easier to receive. Thank you. I think you missed a point. There are people who are monsters. Villains. They exist. They are discoverable as such. They are wolves out for blood, and they have drunk it before, and if left unimprisoned they will do it again and again. Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. You may know a tree by its fruits. You may know it. You are using words and actions over time to get a clear picture of the heart. You absolutely must judge rightly what you clearly understand. If you have clear insight to a mans heart then you are morally obligated to respond rightly - whatever that means.

Thank you as always father. You lost me a bit with the dad above stuff but I completely agree with the rest. Noone should be deemed beyond redemtion, held accountable for their actions of course but with companion and understanding i believe anyone can be good. If fact the lack of may be the cause of ones tendency toward bad actions.

This made me cry - I have had to fight slander and libel spread by a jealous man

Thank you for this one...

Thank you, Father! Great advice and much needed!

Judging bad, sinful, evil or immoral behavior is a GOOD thing, because then you have to make a clear distinction and separation between what is right and what is wrong, whether you are the person doing the bad things or whether it is someone else doing it. That is not the same as condemning the actual person who engages in such negative behavior. We can make clear Judgment Calls to criticize someone's observably bad behavior, without being rude, abusive or condemning towards them personally. Jesus Christ Himself clearly states in JOHN 7: 24- "Judge not according to appearance, but judge just judgment."

There is no need to Judge. We are all Guilty

#askfrmike My husband and I became Catholic 3 years ago, but 9 years ago we did IVF because my husband and I couldn't conceive. Today we have 4 kids and 3frozen embryos. We are trying to discern what we should do now, especially considering that we are now Catholic and we know that the Church doesn't support IVF. The real moral problem is that these three babies exist, and it would seem like an abortion to destroy them. To donate them to science would seem like an abomination. To keep them frozen seems both costly and pointless. To have them implemented seems to be defying the church...The usual WWJD question doesn't seem to apply here because Jesus would never have gotten into this mess in the first place. The thing is, I heave lived my life doing what seems right to me for a long time. This has taught me that it can be prideful and destructive to do what I think is best. I need to seek godly council for God's direction. So given that I am in a messy situation outside of God's will already, how do I clean this mess up and get on track?

AMEN. AMEN. AMEN!

Awesome as usual.!!!! Thank you. You know how to take some of our most calculated teachings and 1- break it down for most people simply (I do this myself) and get to a more open conversation about our beautiful and Holy Church and faith. At the very least God just had you plant the seed! If your lucky you get to see it grow. 😁

Thank you so much Im so happy to have found you :)

Judgement is all that ...that is , it isn't haten it's just differentiation from what you would approve of

I find it interesting that you did not rerecord this. The speck and the plank and also the good tree good fruit. Still a good message even with the slips. God bless.

Thanks

As always a powerful,, educational, inspirational and thought-provoking. It made me judge myself and my own heart only and notice that it needs some fine-tuning. Thanks

Discernment is not the same as judging. We have a moral compass based on Christian values, and learning what is right from wrong, good verses evil. ✝️

I love your presentations! Thank you.

Love these videos. I found myself quoting loads of good stuff gleaned from them in a discussion yesterday Thank you Fr Mike

Every judgement of conscience, be it right or wrong, be it about things evil in themselves or morally indifferent, is obligatory, in such wise that he who acts against his conscience always sins...

Judgement doesn't equal justice.

Dear Father Mike, Peace of Christ. Thank you for sharing this wonderful video. My friends and I were just having a conversation about why we should/shouldn't judge someone. And I actually gave him a quote from Matthew 7:1 onwards to say we shouldn't. I understand there is always a deeper meaning to what Lord Jesus spoke and thank you for clarifying it. I have watched some of your videos and enjoy them very much. Thank you once again for sharing the word of God. God bless. Chris

thank you father

You give me right I was so confused with this before as christian

Sorry Fr. Mike I have to judge you right now. You look like the most current Maytag man. You two could be brothers. As always I enjoy your videos and re-learn what I've forgotten during my 12 years in Catholic school.

Thank you Father Mike inspiration of God's words.