CH1 - Called to Love: Heavenly Father doesn't judge

[Erudite]

When I was first listening to this book (I have it on CD) I was struck by a single sentence that stood out and still stands out from the ones around it. On page 3, it says, "John testified that even Heavenly Father judges no man but has 'committed all judgment unto the Son' (John 5:22)." He's talking about the whole inspired callings thing, but that sentence has meant considerably more to me.

Think of it...our Heavenly Father doesn't judge us. That means that no matter how stupid I am or how slow to do what is right or how hard I struggle to forgive...He's not judging me for it. He isn't up there rolling his eyes, thinking..."C'mon daughter, what's takin' ya so long?" He isn't doing that, He's not judging me. He's up there seeing my good attributes and encouraging me to get rid of my bad ones. He's putting things, events, activities, responsibilities in my path that help me, not hurt me, but he doesn't judge me when I momentarily forget that.

I pulled this out of the book a couple of months back and it has totally changed my relationship with Him. I find it easier to talk to Him because even when I need His forgiveness for something I've done wrong, I can discuss it with Him without fear that He's up there shaking His head in dismay. He's always there to listen, to love, to encourage, and to teach, all without judgment.

Here's another thought that goes with this. We are told that the part of the purpose of this life is that we are working toward becoming like our Heavenly Father. So guess what? Being like our Heavenly Father means that we too listen, love, encourage, and teach those within our sphere of influence, and we don't judge them. Not ever. So this book has much broader significance than I realized, because if it can help me to become like my Heavenly Father, it is an amazing opportunity.

The trick now is to get all the way to charity...where no unrighteous judgment can be. Aren't you excited for chapter 2?

[Big_Sissy]

Ok, first off, let me say that I'm sorry for breaking the rules. I am not reading the book, but I have to comment on this because what you posted has a serious impact for me.

I can honestly say that my personal conversations with the Father are hampered because I did think he was shaking his head thinking/saying - Big Sissy, what in the world are you doing???? So anyway, Thank you for 1) reading 2) sharing your thoughts. This has really helped me. I think I may need to read that chapter, as I think it will change my relationship considerably for the better.

Again, Thank you!

[Erudite]

It's only 6 pages long, so go for it, but realize these comments are only about 1 sentence in the whole thing.

But you know what? Part of the struggle I'm personally having right now and why I'm clinging to this idea with all my heart is that I'm having trouble forgiving myself for something. I am judging and criticizing and getting down on me in the process. My Father would never have me do that, because He isn't doing that. He needs me to forgive me so that He can forgive me, but because He hasn't judged me...He's just waiting for me to catch up, because He is SO ready to do that for me. I know that, and I'll get to the right place to give this problem/hurt away, but right now...I need to know He's not judging me while I work through it.

[Big_Sissy]

I need to know that same thing. I really does affect my communication with Him. Especially when I come to Him with the same exact problem over & over & over, again & again & again - yes I'm a slow changer/repenter

[5ft Diva]

Hey, we all have something we're going to Him over and over and over again and again and again. We're not all that different in our own different ways.

This comment is in reference to what you were saying Erudite about becoming like Heavenly Father. I was reading my scriptures the other day where Jesus said, "The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do" (John 5:19) The thought that occurred to me was that He loves without judging others (John 5:22) which is exactly what we've been asked to do but then how do we do that? Well, all you have to do is look at your own experiences in life and you have the example laid out for you. It's been shown to us because we receive that love from Him which allows us to know how to have that love for others. Anyway, theres my thought.

[Erudite]

Excellent thought! On this subject, I've hashed out some thoughts over time...if you all don't mind me sharing...

Relationships with our Heavenly Father are too often based on relationships we know of in our existence here. Can we wrap our minds around a being who loves us so much that he doesn't judge us if we have never had such an experience with someone in our lives? We judge from our own perspective too quickly (trust in the arm of flesh) and decide that people who've made choices beyond our comprehension are in fact within our comprehension. We try to understand Joseph Smith or Mary or John the Baptist from our limited views without fully attempting to walk the path they walked...that good ol' straight and narrow path.

It is not until we consistently walk the path that the path becomes clear, the destination becomes obvious, and our choices are made without hesitation. And in the path is where we find a relationship with our Heavenly Father that begins to approach understanding of our Heavenly Father. Walk the path, hold to the rod, and you'll find a loving Heavenly Father beside you in all things, and you'll know it. Wander the mist, play in the great and spacious, and you'll occasionally hear that a loving Heavenly Father might be an interesting fellow to know, even though He's reaching out to you in every way He can. Loving He is, reaching he is, but our knowledge of that love is based on our choice of paths.

Isaiah 30
20 And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:
21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

[Big_Sissy]

Wow, good stuff. I just need to, in the words of 5ftD "wrap my head around this"

[5ft Diva]

Those are good thought E, I find that the "wrapping my head around this" part comes in taking the first step in the right direction. If we're really trying to feel that love by walking on that path then when we're on that path the love will come. I know it sounds redundant but I think you know what I mean.