A shameful example of unrighteous judgment comes from the parable of the lost sheep, when the Pharisees and scribes ill-judged both the Savior and His dinner company, saying, “This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them” —they were oblivious to the fact that they were sinners themselves. Possessed of condemning hearts, the scribes and Pharisees never knew the joy of rescuing lost sheep.
… The natural man and woman in each of us has a tendency to condemn others and to judge unrighteously, or self-righteously. …
… A righteous judge would respond to confessions with compassion and understanding. An erring youth, for example, should leave the bishop’s office feeling the love of the Savior through the bishop and enveloped in the joy and healing power of the Atonement—never shamed or held in contempt.
The condemning heart is the natural man approach to judging and the defining characteristic of unrighteous judgement.
However, compassion doesn’t nullify the need for discipline. The word discipline comes from the Latin word discere, “to learn,” or discipulus, “learner,” making a disciple a student and follower. To discipline in the Lord’s way is to lovingly and patiently teach.
Sounds like my discussion with Enoch yesterday.
In the world, it is an earthly judge who condemns a man and locks him in prison. In contrast, the Book of Mormon teaches us that when we willfully sin, we become our “own judges” and consign ourselves to spiritual prison. Ironically, the common judge in this case holds the keys that unlock the prison gates; “for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance in all things out of temptation.” The proceedings of a righteous judge are merciful, loving, and redemptive, not condemning.
In ancient Israel, forgiveness came through a sin or trespass offering, or sacrifice. The sacrifice not only “point[ed] to that great and last sacrifice” but also helped engender a deeper sense of gratitude for the Savior’s Atonement. An unwillingness to sacrifice as part of our penitence mocks or belittles Christ’s greater sacrifice for the same sin and trivializes His suffering—a callous sign of ingratitude.
On the other hand, through the sweet irony of sacrifice, we actually gain something of eternal worth—His mercy and forgiveness and eventually “all that [the] Father hath.” As part of the repentance process, sacrifice also acts as a healing balm to help replace “remorse of conscience” with “peace of conscience.” Without sacrifice, a person may find it hard to forgive himself or herself, because of a lingering consciousness of something withheld.
President Joseph F. Smith taught, “If children are defiant and difficult to control, be patient with them until you can conquer by love, … and you can then [mold] their characters as you please.”
Being patient with them is difficult but I know it is necessary.
President Thomas S. Monson has taught us, “Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.” How vital that principle is in becoming righteous judges, especially with our own children.
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