A Must Read...

True to the Faith

If you haven't read True to the Faith yet, it is a must read - to read it online click HERE, to buy it click HERE.

I have not personally read it all the way through yet but the sections that I have read are wonderful. The book is filled with simple explainations and applications for almost all gospel topics, principles, and doctrines. I have decided to use it during my personal scripture study. Each night I select a topic that I feel like reading, or a topic that has been on my mind, or sometimes I just flip to a random page and read. I read from the book and then read the scripture references that it has listed under it. I think that with this topical way of reading I will come to understand specific principles so much more clearly.

Last night I read the section titled "Judging Others" and it was a great reminder. I loved that it talked about both righteous and unrighteous judgements. I have added the entire entry on Judging Others below:

"Sometimes people feel that it is wrong to judge others in any way. While it is true that you should not condemn others or judge them unrighteously, you will need to make judgments of ideas, situations, and people throughout your life. The Lord has given many commandments that you cannot keep without making judgments. For example, He has said: “Beware of false prophets. . . . Ye shall know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:15–16) and “Go ye out from among the wicked” (D&C 38:42). You need to make judgments of people in many of your important decisions, such as choosing friends, voting for government leaders, and choosing an eternal companion.

Judgment is an important use of your agency and requires great care, especially when you make judgments about other people. All your judgments must be guided by righteous standards. Remember that only God, who knows each individual’s heart, can make final judgments of individuals (see Revelation 20:12; 3 Nephi 27:14; D&C 137:9).

The Lord gave a warning to guide us in our judgment of others: “With what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother: Let me pull the
mote out of thine eye—and behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast the mote out of thy
brother’s eye” (3 Nephi 14:2–5).

In this scripture passage the Lord teaches that a fault we see in another is often like a tiny speck in that person’s eye, compared to our own faults, which are like an enormous beam in our eyes. Sometimes we focus on others’ faults when we should instead be working to improve ourselves.

Your righteous judgments about others can provide needed guidance for them and, in some cases, protection for you and your family. Approach any such judgment with care
and compassion. As much as you can, judge people’s situations rather than judging the people themselves. Whenever possible, refrain from making judgments until you have an
adequate knowledge of the facts. Always be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, who can guide your decisions. Remember Alma’s counsel to his son Corianton: “See that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually” (Alma 41:14).

Additional references: 1 Samuel 16:7; Moroni 7:14–19; D&C 11:12
See also Charity; Forgiveness; Love; Mercy"

Let us all continue to gain knowledge. Let us all strive to learn more about the principles of the Gospel. Let us all "deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually".

I challenge you to read True to the Faith. The First Presidency said, "This book is designed as a companion to your study of the scriptures...We encourage you to refer to it as you study and apply gospel principles...May this book strengthen you in your efforts to draw near to the Savior and follow His example."