After telling his listeners that a lack of miracles implies a lack of faith, Mormon adds, "I judge better things of you." God can help us see the good in others. We will be judged as we judge, so why wouldn't we look for the best in the people around us?
“Vengeance Is Mine”
People who speak in terms of vengeance and retribution are not in harmony with the Spirit of God. We need to expect more from ourselves, from the people around us, and from our political leaders.
“I Judge Not Mine Own Self”
God's judgment is the only judgment that matters in the end. Therefore, we ought to be careful how we judge others and even how we judge ourselves. We ought to strive to understand how God sees us, and to act accordingly.
To Answer for Himself
The Roman governor Festus understood that people have a right to respond to accusations. Joseph Smith promised his associates that he would not believe criticisms without hearing their side. People who have charity give others the benefit of the doubt.
“The Lord Looketh on the Heart”
As we grow closer to God, we learn to see other people differently. When Samuel met with Jesse in the small town of Bethlehem, he brought his own preconceptions and biases to the task of selecting a new king. The current king, which he had also selected, was tall and strong. He stood out in... Continue Reading →
“With What Judgment Ye Judge…” – 3 Nephi 14:2
What does it mean to judge? It means to form an opinion or to make a decision. Mormon said, "I show unto you the way to judge" (Moroni 7:16), and then explained that we ought to make decisions according to what is right and good, which we can know by the light of Christ. "See... Continue Reading →
Burying My Weapons
The Anti-Nephi-Lehies, who were converted to the gospel by the preaching of the sons of Mosiah, decided as a group to renounce violence. Encouraged by their king, they buried their weapons as a symbol of their commitment to live differently (Alma 24:6-19). The buried weapons had a very literal consequence for them shortly afterward. They... Continue Reading →
“Ye Shall Not Slay Him” – Mosiah 20:14
Mosiah 20 can be read as a series of case studies about the importance of trust in relationships. Multiple times, key characters have to make decisions based on limited information. The stories illustrate the danger of jumping to conclusions and the value of giving other people the benefit of the doubt. When a group of... Continue Reading →
Lessons from Sermons to Modern Readers
Some of the chapters in the Book of Mormon are addressed directly to us, the modern readers of the book. Moroni wrote, "I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing" (Mormon 8:35). During the month... Continue Reading →
He That Will Not Believe My Words Will Not Believe Me – Ether 4:12
12 And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. I am the same that leadeth men to all good; he that will not believe my words will not believe me—that I am; and he that will not believe me will not believe... Continue Reading →