condemn not

I don't think it's possible to go through a day without making a small judgement about someone else, it's natural. These judgements can be good, bad, or neutral, but as long as we don't completely shut out someone and condemn them due to their choices, our judgements are not bad. We often hear people making comments about not judging or how bad it is to think negatively about others, but what we should talk about is how we shouldn't condemn. In JST Matt 7: 1-2 it says, "...judge not unrighteously, that ye be not judged: but judge righteous judgement".

Making quick judgements about people or situations can keep us out of problems, but making those judgements are in no way condemning the other people there. I believe that these judgements are just there to keep us safe. We can't go through life not judging at all, it's a false expectation. But through these scriptures and further translation we know that if we judge righteously and not condemn others for their behaviors we are making the right choices.

People may make a choice, but it is not our place to decide that they are too bad of a person and that they shouldn't be helped. I believe that it our purpose on Earth to help others come into the gospel, even if they are making some bad decisions. People can be so good, but still make some mistakes. I am so thankful that I am able to read from the scriptures to learn more about judgements and how to share the gospel to people who aren't making the same choices that I am.

blessed are ye

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3)

"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5)

"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7)

These three verses are some of my favorite verses in the New Testament. I love that in the Beatitudes we are told what we can do and who we should be to receive blessings. Reading through this list of qualities and actions is so inspiring because it gives us an, almost, stepping stone like guide. We can start by being introspective and look at the qualities we want to have. According to the Beatitudes we should be meek and humble and we need to hunger after that which is right and be righteous. After being introspective we must share what we have learned and stay kind and forgiving. In Matthew 5 it says we must be merciful and be pure in heart. By emulating what is being said we can be peacemakers and have the light of Christ with us. 

These steps can also bring us to repentance. Jesus Christ is the best teacher of repentance because of the atonement and all that He knows. 

I have learned so much because of this chapter (Matthew 5); I want to share what I know and the wonderful feelings that I have felt. I am so thankful to have this gospel in my life and I want to share the blessings it brings. 

nothing is impossible

Sometimes things can be really difficult. At times, I look at my life and I am so overwhelmed by everything that's going on and everything that everyone else is achieving. Things seem almost impossible, but looking back on my life, whenever things seem impossible all I need to do is look to God and pray. In Luke 1:37 it says, "For with God nothing shall be impossible". There have been miracles that have proved to me that God is there for me and that I can rely on Him. 

There are huge temptations that come along in life and people make mistakes. I have made mistakes but through the Atonement I can once again be perfected after this life. In 3 Nephi the gospel and the doctrine of Christ are shared. Through my Heavenly Father and through the atonement I believe that the gospel and the doctrines of Christ are perfect for us and can be followed.

I have so much hope in this Gospel; I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior, Jesus Christ. I believe that if I continue to follow the gospel I will live my life in a good and joyful way. Living my life in a way that I should brings me a lot of joy. I love living and hearing about the miracles that come about. 

having faith

The four gospels in the New Testament are all very different because of the writers. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all went through different experiences that brought them to where they were while writing the first four books of the New Testament. Some include the birth of Christ while others start later in His life; Mark doesn't start his book until Jesus is getting baptized. Luke was a physician so he talked more about the birth and sickness - for example he talks about how the ear was cut off in Gethsemane. He also talks about more women and Mary's experiences.

Because each gospel writer is a different person with different experiences, sometimes there are things that don't match up. For some, it can be hard to believe in what is being taught when some things aren't right, but I trust in the Lord. There is a scripture that says "...not what I will, but what thou wilt" (Mark 14:36). Although this is Jesus Christ talking to Heavenly Father, the same goes for us. Our Heavenly Father has a bigger perspective, so even if some things don't match up or we don't get exactly what we want, there is a plan and we need to have faith.

I know people who have struggled with finding truth in the gospel and I have seen how difficult it is for them not having faith. I am so blessed to have a testimony of Christ and of this gospel. I believe the scriptures with all of my heart.