Questions and Answers
“How can I avoid being judgmental or critical of others?”
“Take some time to hear the other person out. You’ll probably realize that there’s a larger story than what you first thought. He or she is likely going through a lot of the same issues that you may have.”
Jameson C., 16, Kentucky, USA
“Pray for the gift of charity. ‘Pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love’ (Moroni 7:48). Pray to be able to see others as God sees them: as children of God, who are all worth loving even with their faults.”
Caleb T., 21, Utah, USA
“We need to know that every person is a child of God. No one is perfect, but everyone can improve. We can show other people love. Simply put, we can love them, care for them, share our thoughts directly, be humble, and get to know the other person. Real friends deepen and strengthen each other without judgment.”
Tsanta R., 18, Antananarivo, Madagascar
“I like to keep in mind that I often don’t know why someone is doing something or what is going on in their life. Sometimes they could be trying to help but just don’t know the best way to do that. It also helps me to remember that everyone is a beloved son or daughter of God who decided in their premortal existence to follow Him. They are our family, no matter what they may do or say. They deserve to be loved and cared for, just as you do.”
Reagan S., 17, Washington, USA
“When I find myself judging someone, I try to focus on their strengths and what they’re good at, rather than focusing on the negative. I find that it helps me view them more in a way God would.”
Temani E., 17, Cheshire, England
“I struggled with this for a long time. I always found myself thinking unkind or judgmental thoughts about people I didn’t even know!
“I started praying every morning to be kind. I could feel Heavenly Father’s love for me when I was striving to be like Him. I felt more confident standing up to others who were talking badly about people who didn’t deserve it. This also helped me be more aware of my negative thoughts toward others.
“I soon learned that I couldn’t ask Heavenly Father to do all the work. If I asked Him in the morning to help, I couldn’t just sit back and let him do it for me. Every time I noticed myself thinking critically about someone, I asked myself, ‘How does Jesus see them?’ Sometimes it’s hard, but I can always find something positive about that person to focus on.
“With the help of our Savior Jesus Christ, we can begin to see others the way He does.”
Liberty H., 16, Idaho, USA