We’ve all done it.

We’ve all silently criticized the guy weaving through traffic on the freeway, muttered unkind comments under our breath about the clueless salesclerk when we’re in a hurry or had impatient thoughts about people making choices we deem ridiculous and “inappropriate.”

That’s how judgement creeps into our daily lives. Through these often-unconscious thoughts about others.

We’re probably even more unaware of the almost constant criticism of ourselves. Thoughts like:

• “I can’t believe I’ve gained another five pounds!”
• “I must be an idiot to keep making this same mistake over and over…”
• “Why can’t I get this? Everyone else does.”

While these inner commentaries may seem harmless - and certainly familiar - they represent the very judgement that can block your spiritual guidance.

Think of it this way…

Many times when I’m driving around my rural county, I drive between huge outcroppings of rock. If I’m trying to use my cell phone (no lectures, this is for illustrative purposes only) the signal from the nearest tower is blocked by the rock. The result is that I get no signal or a sporadic one while I’m in that geographic area. Once I drive past the rock, my signal returns and I am fully connected.

That’s what happens with judgement. You can study spiritual texts, say your prayers, meditate and feel deeply connected to the love within you. AND once judgmental thoughts come in, your divine connection can feel a bit “wobbly.” Your guidance can feel clouded or even gone.

It’s subtle. It sneaks in under the guise of discernment or “just being realistic.” But whether we’re judging others, ourselves, or the state of the world, that mental commentary acts like spiritual static. It clouds the heart, disconnects us from peace, and drowns out the quiet voice of Love.

A Course in Miracles puts it bluntly: “Judgment is not your function.” (T-10.IV.7:1)

Here’s something to consider. When we take on the role of judge, we step out of alignment with the Voice for God and into the voice of the ego.

The Hidden Struggles with Judgment

Many beautiful souls on the path wrestle with questions like:

• “How do I stop judging others?”
• “Am I just discerning or am I judging?”
• “Why do I fear being judged?”
• “Does judgment block spiritual growth?”
• “Can I really hear guidance while still holding judgment?”

These are all valid questions—and all lead back to the same core idea: judgment is a projection of the ego, while guidance is a trait of our connection to Love. One pushes energy outward to control. The other opens our inner space for divine clarity.

Judgment vs. Discernment

It’s helped me to study A Course in Miracles and it’s teachings, which show that real discernment doesn’t come from intellect, it comes from the Holy Spirit.

Judgment says, “This is good, this is bad.” Discernment guided by Spirit says, “This is aligned, this is not.” There’s no condemnation, just clarity.

True discernment is rooted in love and peace. If your thoughts are tinged with fear, comparison, or superiority, its judgment wearing a clever disguise. And let’s be honest - sometimes the disguise isn’t even that clever!

Spiritual Guidance and the Trap of Ego

When we judge, we reinforce the illusion of separation. We affirm, even unconsciously, “I am apart from you, apart from God, and apart from my highest self.” From this place, the guidance we receive may sound like genuine inner dialogue, but it often comes from fear, not love.

Another favorite quote from the Course: “The Holy Spirit speaks with unmistakable clarity and overwhelming appeal.” —T-5.II.8:1

If your “guidance” feels harsh, shaming, or urgent—it’s probably the ego, not Spirit.

This is why surrender is essential. When we recognize that our judgments are blocking the Light, we can release them and return to the stillness where true wisdom lives.

Practical Steps to Hear with the Heart

Want clearer spiritual guidance? Start here:

• Pause and Notice: When judgment arises, don’t resist it. Just say, “Ah, there you are.” Awareness is the first step to healing.
• Forgive Quickly: Ask Spirit to reinterpret the situation. “I am willing to see this differently.”
• Use the Be Love Principles: Start with Principle #1 “Greet everyone with an open heart, without an agenda.” Review the Be Love Principles often.
• Call on Divine Guidance: “Holy Spirit, please show me what love looks like here and how to move forward.”
• Practice Loving Listening: To others. To yourself. To the quiet whisper within.

We don’t need to be perfect to be guided. We simply need to be willing.

Letting go of judgment—of others, ourselves, the world—is not a passive act. It’s a radical spiritual move. It says: I choose peace instead of this. And in that moment, we clear the way for the Voice of Love to lead us home.

The Course says: “Judgment always involves rejection. It never emphasizes only the positive aspects of what is judged.” —T-3.VI.2:1

Release the judge. Embrace the Guide.

That’s when the real miracles begin – full of peace, healing and rooted in love.