Is it judgmental to point out someone's error?
The short answer
No. Pointing out the truth is not judgmental. Neither is assessing whether actions are sinful, reacting with distaste to objective evil, or remembering past harm by someone you have forgiven. What we must avoid is rash judgment — by interpreting others as favorably as possible.
What is not judgmental
- Pointing out the truth.
- Making a moral assessment of whether someone's actions are sinful, or whether he is likely culpable.
- Having a negative emotional reaction to what is objectively evil.
- Keeping in mind that someone you have forgiven did harm before and may do so again.
Avoiding rash judgment
The Catechism teaches that to avoid rash judgment we should interpret our neighbor's thoughts, words and deeds favorably as far as possible. A good Christian should be readier to give a favorable interpretation than to condemn; if he cannot, he should ask how the other understands it, correct him with love if needed, and try every suitable means to help him understand rightly so that he may be saved (CCC 2478, citing St. Ignatius).
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