There is a reason God told us that He is the judge. Only He knows the heart of another. Only He knows of their experiences, trials, weaknesses, and temptations. We can see their action but not their motives. "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7 However, we do need to judge situations, ideas, and actions to make important decisions, such as choosing friends, voting for government leaders, choosing a spouse, and the safety of our children."Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. " (Matthew 7:16-18)
"Go ye out from among the wicked" (D&C 38:42).
Great care should be taken in casting proverbial stones. We might be quick to judge the tiniest imperfection in another without seeing the huge wart right in the center of our own forehead. My husband's favorite saying is first improve yourself today and then your friends tomorrow. As we know, tomorrow is always in the future. As parents our righteous and logical (not hasty or angry or accusing) judgments about our children and others can provide needed guidance for them and, in some cases, protection for us and our families.
"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).
"See that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually" (Alma 41:14).
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Reading the scriptures and keeping this journal are my delight. I do not keep an online journal to preach to anyone but myself. I like this format, because I can add pictures and correct my writing easier. If you enjoy reading it, I am happy. If you feel offended, please, realize it is not my intention to offend but to teach myself. No negative comments will not be published.