Right Judgement

Author: Beth Zanotelli, Family Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Palm Beach

Have you ever considered that there might be fruits, or consequences to your opinions? Our opinions should depend on right judgment. The noun judgment signifies the ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions, and the verb to judge means to evaluate, assess, form an opinion or conclusion about, decide, or determine.

How can we better form our opinions?   Do we go to God first and ask Him for clear judgment, or do we follow the opinions of others, perhaps those with the loudest or most popular voice?  Do we hastily form an opinion about something, or do we take time to evaluate what is good, right, and true?  How can we prayerfully discern what is good when we form our ideas or opinions?

Using right judgment can mean different things.  Learning to judge rightly is important because it helps us discern right from wrong and form our conscience. In his letter to the Romans, St. Paul helps us understand the importance of not believing everything we hear in the news, or from other people.  Chapter 12:2 teaches, “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.”   When we have a clear vision, when we consider others, and align with God’s will, we are considering right judgment.  In the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1787) it is clear, “Man is sometimes confronted by situations that make moral judgments less assured and decision difficult.  But he must always seriously seek what is right and good and discern the will of God expressed in divine law.”

It takes courage to stand up for truth and goodness.  It is what we are called to do, in doing the work of God.  If you witness people who are radiant with joy, they are most often joyful because they rest in the knowledge that “they hold the power of love and self-control.” (see 2 Timothy 1:7) To exercise correct judgments is not always the easy road, but it is the path to an abundant life and a way to accept and give God’s love.

As stewards of creation, we should also consider how right judgment affects our relationship with the world and other people.  If the outcome of our opinion, thought or idea harms another, perhaps it is not the “will of God”.  If our conclusions have selfish or prideful motives, it seems that we have not been courageous, and most importantly, we have not taken a stand for truth and goodness.  We, with humility, should present our judgments to God and seek His direction.  Faith in God is required to know Him and to understand His ways.

Here’s what Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church have to say:

2 Timothy 1:7 – For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.

Philippians 4:8-9 – Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me.  Then the God of peace will be with you.

CCC 1785 – In the formation of conscience the Word of God is the light for our path, we must assimilate it in faith and prayer and put it into practice.  We must also examine our conscience before the Lord’s Cross.  We are assisted by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, aided by the witness or advice of others, and guided by the authoritative teaching of the Church.

Colossians 3:23-24 – Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance; be slaves of the Lord Christ.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence, rely not; In all your ways be mindful of Him, and he will make straight your paths