Jesus and the woman taken in adultery

February 26

How Do the Savior’s Teachings Help Me Make Righteous Judgments?

Matthew 6–7

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Counsel Together

Led by a member of the class or quorum presidency; approximately 10–20 minutes

At the beginning of the meeting, repeat together the Young Women Theme or the Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme. Then lead a discussion about the work of salvation and exaltation using one or more of the questions below or questions of your own (see General Handbook, 10.2, 11.2). Plan ways to act on what you discuss.

• Live the gospel. What topics has the bishopric discussed in our ward youth council meetings? What can we do as a class or quorum based on those discussions?

• Care for those in need. How can we reach out to people in Christlike ways when we see a need and don’t know what to say?

• Invite all to receive the gospel. What have we found in the gospel of Jesus Christ that brings us joy? How can we share that joy with others?

• Unite families for eternity. What are we doing to find names of our ancestors who need temple ordinances? What can we do to help others find the names of their ancestors?

At the end of the lesson, as appropriate, do the following:

• Testify of the principles taught.

• Remind class or quorum members about the plans and invitations made during the meeting.

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Teach the Doctrine

Led by an adult leader or youth; approximately 25–35 minutes

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

There is a tendency in each of us—as a result of our fallen natures—to judge others, sometimes unfairly or self-righteously. But the Savior taught, “Judge not unrighteously, that ye be not judged; but judge righteous judgment” (Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 7:1 [in Matthew 7:1, footnote a]). Ponder how following this counsel can bless you and those you teach. The Savior showed by example what He meant by “righteous judgment.” For example, consider how He treated the woman who had committed adultery. He did not condemn her, but He also did not condone her sin. He invited her to “go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). What have you learned about judging righteously from the Savior?

As you ponder how you will help the youth understand righteous judgment, you might study Matthew 7:1–2 and Elder Lynn G. Robbins’s message “The Righteous Judge” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 96–98).

Learn Together

You could begin a discussion about judging righteously by asking class or quorum members to think of a time when they felt misjudged by others. How did this feel? What do we learn about judging from the Savior’s teachings in Matthew 7:1–5? (see the Joseph Smith Translation in footnote 1a). What might the phrase “righteous judgment” mean? You could discuss these verses by inviting class or quorum members to restate each verse in their own words. Activities like the following can also help those you teach to judge righteously.

• The Savior’s teachings in Matthew 6–7 can help us “judge righteous judgment.” To help class or quorum members discover these teachings, you could give each of them one of the following passages to ponder: Matthew 6:14–15; 7:3–5; 7:12; 7:15–20. What do the Savior’s words in these verses suggest about what it means to judge righteously? What can we learn from the Savior’s example in John 8:1–11 and Matthew 9:10–13? What differences do we notice between the way the Savior judges us and the way we often judge each other?

• Because we all have agency, we must constantly make judgments about what we will and will not do. But as followers of the Savior, we strive not to judge or criticize other people. To help the youth understand the difference, share with them the statement by President Dallin H. Oaks in “Supporting Resources.” As a class or quorum, work together to think of examples of judging a situation—such as an activity, an event, or a conversation—instead of judging a person who is involved. Why is it better to judge a situation rather than a person? The youth may have other questions about judging righteously (see examples in “Supporting Resources”). Discuss their questions together using the information under “Supporting Resources” to find answers. Invite the youth to share what they feel inspired to do because of what they are learning.

• In his general conference message “Developing Good Judgment and Not Judging Others” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 103–5), Elder Gregory A. Schwitzer told two stories—of Jesus’s friend Martha and of a man Elder Schwitzer helped. What do these stories teach about how we should view and treat others? What principles can help us be more Christlike and judge righteously? The videos “Looking through Windows” and “Judging Others? Stop It!” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) could provide additional insights.

young adults talking

As we learn to be more Christlike, we can judge more righteously.

Act in Faith

Encourage class or quorum members to ponder and record what they will do to act on the impressions they received today. If they would like, they could share their ideas. Invite them to think about how acting on their impressions will strengthen their relationships with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Supporting Resources

• Examples of questions about judging others: “I’ve been taught to choose my friends carefully. But how can I do that without judging people?” “When I try to live the gospel, I get accused of being judgmental. How can I be true to what I believe and show love to those who disagree?”

• 1 Samuel 16:7; Moroni 7:12–19; Doctrine and Covenants 11:12

• Gospel Topics, “Judging Others,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org

• President Dallin H. Oaks taught: “Whenever possible we will refrain from judging people and only judge situations. This is essential whenever we attempt to act upon different standards than others with whom we must associate—at home, at work, or in the community. We can set and act upon high standards for ourselves or our homes without condemning those who do otherwise” (“‘Judge Not’ and Judging,” Ensign, Aug. 1999, 11).

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

Your efforts should support the efforts of parents. Share with parents of youth what you are teaching. Counsel with them to learn about the needs of the young people in your class and the best ways to help meet those needs.