We have to discriminate between different kinds of judging. Sin begins when we start to despise a person in our heart because of some fault which he has committed. It is possible to judge quite simply, without bringing in a verdict against the person we judge. And if at the same time we feel pity in our heart for the person at fault, sincerely desiring his amendment of life and praying that he may do better in future, then there will be no sin in judging but, on the contrary, to judge him would be as much an act of love as is possible in such a case.
The sin of judging is more in the heart than on the lips. Talking about a particular thing may be a sin or not, depending upon the feeling with which the words are said. Feeling gives the speech its character. It is best to refrain from any kind of judging, for fear of becoming censorious; in other words, it is best not to come too close to the fire and the soot so as not to be burned and blackened. We should do better to direct our censure and criticism against ourselves.
—St Theophan the Recluse