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.