Likutei Moharan 74:10/ליקוטי מוהר"ן ע״ד:י׳

110. There are two types of judgments: impure judgment, the aspect of the Serpent polluting Chavah (Shabbat 146a) ; and holy judgment, the aspect of “those whom God loves, He rebukes” (Proverbs 3:12) .

2This is the aspect of rejection that is the beginning of coming closer to God, as our Sages, of blessed memory, taught: Whoever betters himself in this world is judged more strictly on high (Taanit 8a). In other words, when a person wants to be righteous and come closer to God, they justify judgment against him—i.e., he is beset with judgments and afflictions.

3These judgments and afflictions appear to be a rejection, as though they want to deter him from his devotions, God forbid. In truth, being turned away [like] this is the essence of coming closer, since these judgments and rejections are for his benefit. This is as in “those whom God loves, He rebukes,” so that they should withstand this test and intensify their efforts to draw even closer. {See elsewhere that the purpose of these obstacles is for the sake of desire. This is explained also in a number of other places.} Therefore, this judgment is holy judgment, nevertheless it is the aspect of constricted consciousness, which is where judgment’s hold is strongest, as is known.