Posted on Apr 12, 2017   |   
Parable of the Talents

The other day in my New Testament class here at BYU we were studying the Parable of the Talents. The man who is given with 5 talents and returns with 10 and the man who is given 2 talents and returns with 4 are given the exact same reward. To me this means that God's judgement is not only about where we finish, but also takes into account where we start from. I believe God will take all things into account at Judgement - our childhood, our mental health, our genetics, and everything else that makes us who we are. The Parable of the Talents teaches me that I can't judge anyone because I have no idea where they started from. I don't know their background, I don't know their mental or physical health - I only see a small portion of their whole story. Instead of judgement and frustration, I've tried to cheer on all progress in all forms. Be gentle. Instead of recoiling, be the rare one that puts your arms around "the sinner" and helps them get back on their feet.