From Judgment to Love

Judging is almost automatic, of ourselves, of others, of the world. What few realize is that all judgment arises from a lack: the absence of love, of connection with our essence and with the Light of the Creator.

Kabbalah teaches that it is not enough merely to try "not to judge"; we must go further: to awaken gratitude and love within us. Only then does judgment lose its force, and our energy is transformed.

In this study you will find reflections, practices, and a checklist for exchanging the lens of judgment for a compassionate gaze, learning to ask for help and to create space for love to expand.

Key Points

• Judgment and love. We judge others because of the absence of enough love within ourselves.
• Gratitude as the remedy. Gratitude and love are forces opposite to judgment; they must be strengthened to dissolve judgmental thoughts.
• Inner truth. Honestly recognizing our limitations is essential to healing judgment.
• Divine help is needed. We cannot eliminate judgment alone; we need to ask the Creator for help to purify our heart.
• The awakening of love. Only the awakening and strengthening of inner love removes judgment instantly.

Phrases for Contemplation

Action Plan

Suggested practices, do them in whatever order you prefer, repeat as many times as you like:

• Observe and recognize judgmental thoughts without blaming yourself.
• Meditate or make a gratitude list daily, feeling it grow in your heart.
• Ask the Creator sincerely, in prayer, to clear judgments and awaken love within you.
• Perform an act of love or generosity, for yourself or for another person.
• Strive to see the divine spark, the Light, in people and in yourself.
• Practice forgiveness: both self-forgiveness and forgiveness of others.
• Use your speech to share positive words and encourage someone around you.

Practical Checklist

• Did I observe and recognize a thought or feeling of judgment?
• Did I pause and admit to myself, "I am judging" (without blaming myself)?
• Did I meditate or list reasons for gratitude today?
• Did I pray or sincerely ask the Creator for help to clear judgments and expand love?
• Did I do at least one act of love or generosity (for myself or for someone)?
• Did I strive to see the Light and worth in people (or in myself)?
• Did I practice forgiveness (of myself or another) related to past judgments?
• Did I share at least one positive word or encouragement with someone?