It seems I am always in an introspective mindset. Analyzing my actions/non-actions, words, thoughts, prayers, etc.. One thing I always return to: am I being judgemental?.
On the one hand, Scriptures tell us in a few places not to judge, but then St. Paul tells us to “question everything” and in Matthew we read “by their fruit you will recognize them”. So how do I question or recognize the “fruit” without “judging” the person’s words or actions.
I looked up the actual definition of “judge” and found the following:
transitive verb
1 : to form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing of premises
2 : to sit in judgment on : try
3 : to determine or pronounce after inquiry and deliberation 4 : govern, rule —used of a Hebrew tribal leader
5 : to form an estimate or evaluation of ; especially : to form a negative opinion about <shouldn’t judge him because of his accent>
6 : to hold as an opinion : guess, think
intransitive verb
1 : to form an opinion
2 : to decide as a judge
Recently, for unrelated reasons, the word “discern” has been prevalent in my thoughts. It came to mind again today, so I checked its actual definition:
transitive verb
1a : to detect with the eyes b : to detect with senses other than vision
2 : to recognize or identify as separate and distinct : discriminate <discern right from wrong>
3 : to come to know or recognize mentally
intransitive verb
: to see or understand the difference
For me, considering Scripture as a whole (not just picking specific verses that appear to justify my thinking), I believe discerning and its definition and intent is what I need to try better to practice. Judging with its definition and intent even the “fruit” is just to slippery of slope.
blessedadorer 
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