The Art of Seeing: How to Be a Disciple When You're Tempted to Judge

It’s one of the hardest things to do, isn't it? When we are passionate about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we want people to see the light. We want them to understand the truth and follow the path. Sometimes, when we are having missionary discussions or even just interacting with someone who holds different beliefs, the temptation to judge them—to mentally categorize them as 'wrong' or 'difficult'—can be overwhelming.

As returned missionaries, we learn quickly that the field isn't just about delivering facts; it's about connection. It's about the Spirit. And the biggest barrier to that connection is often the judgment we carry in our hearts.

Seeing Through Christlike Eyes

Sister Lori L. Wadsworth reminds us that everyone around us is struggling with things we don't even know about. We are counseled in James 1:19 to be swift to hear and slow to speak. This isn't just a nice spiritual suggestion; it's a fundamental prerequisite for being a disciple of Christ. The Gospel of Jesus Christ does not marginalize people; *people* marginalize people.

When we talk about being an Internet missionary, or simply being a disciple anywhere, all the time, we have to internalize this principle. Our greatest tool is not our knowledge of the Plan of Salvation or our ability to recite the Book of Mormon verses; it is our ability to pause, check our own hearts, and remember that empathy must always precede instruction.

“We need to see them through Christlike eyes. We cannot allow judgment to dictate the way we interact with people.”

This is the mission-prep skill I want to pass on to you this week: **The Pause.** The next time you are having a tough conversation—whether it’s with a friend who is questioning the plan of salvation, or an investigator in a missionary discussion who is pushing back hard—do not react immediately. Take a breath. Before you formulate your perfect doctrinal answer, ask yourself: *What struggles might this person be facing that I do not know about?* See them, momentarily, as Christ sees them.

The Internet Missionary and the Disciple Heart

This principle of non-judgment is perhaps the most critical skill for the modern Latter-day Saint. When we are engaging in online study through LivingBook or participating in a Book Club in HolyPlaces, it can be easy to fall into the trap of comparison—comparing their understanding to what we know, or comparing their life choices to what we deem 'right.'

But remember that the work is about helping them walk the path, not pointing out every misstep. It's about showing them that the Gospel does not require perfection, but rather persistent effort and grace. The true goal of the work is to help them feel the Spirit and understand that they are loved of God, regardless of their current beliefs or opinions.

If you are struggling to practice this, I recommend running through some difficult scenarios with our AI Investigator, **Davee**. He is trained to help you anticipate those hard questions and guide you on how to respond with Christlike patience and empathy, rather than defensiveness or judgment.

Your Call to the Field

Being a disciple means continually refining our spiritual lens. It means making the effort to be better companions, better family members, and better communicators of the gospel. It means realizing that whether you are in your MTC, or whether you are an established returned missionary, or if you are simply living your life in a busy metropolitan area, you are always in the field.

If you are ready to deepen this principle, I highly recommend diving into the teachings found in the Iron Rod. Specifically, look for material related to cultivating compassion and patience. It will deepen your understanding of how to truly be Christlike.

Want to put this into action with others? Join our next online Disciple Challenge! It’s a free weekly session designed to help us practice spiritual empathy in our daily lives, and it's the perfect next step for any disciple who wants to sharpen this essential skill.