Judgement is when we decide the value of someone or something based on our own assumptions or observations.  Discernment is when we decide the value of someone or something TO OUR OWN LIVES and choose to embrace or ignore it.

Judgement makes life smaller.  Discernment makes life bigger.  Judgement reduces value.  Discernment raises and protects value.  Judgement leaves us feeling gross.  Discernment leaves us feeling hopeful.

Judgement is a discarding and discernment is an investing.  Judgement shames and disrespects, putting our fears and needs onto other people and justifying our own shortfalls by comparison.  Discernment reminds us of our own power and responsibility while it leaves room for all of us to grow into the changing landscape of our differences.

Judgment says “You don’t deserve love,” or “This isn’t valuable.”  Discernment says “You deserve love – but you need to get it from someone else,” and “This is valuable, but not to me right now.”