Charity

The motto of the Relief Society is Charity Never Faileth. Charity are frequently the topics of lessons and talks in church meetings. We must need the repetition. Here are a few thoughts from today's RS lesson.

Charity is an attitude not an act

But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. Moroni 7:47

I would that ye say in your hearts: I give not because I have not…ye remain guiltless, otherwise ye are condemned…for ye covet that which ye have not received. Mosiah
4:24

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor and though I give my body to be burned and have not charity, it profited me nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:3

And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but
rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Moroni 7:45

A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race. Joseph Smith p.426

Don’t be limited in your views with regard to your neighbor’s virtue, but beware of self-righteousness, and be limited in the estimate of your own virtues, and not think yourselves more righteous than others; you must enlarge your souls towards each other, if you would do like Jesus, and carry your fellow-creatures to Abraham’s bosom. Joseph Smith p.427

We can do no great things, only small things with great love. Mother Teresa

When we think of charity we often think of giving to the poor and needy. Charity is having an open heart and being anxious to bless others. While giving can be a way of helping those in need, giving is not charity.

Charity is long suffering and merciful

The nearer we get to our heavenly Father, the more we are disposed to look with compassion on perishing souls; we feel that we want to take them upon our shoulders, and cast their sins behind our backs. Joseph Smith p.428

...I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants. And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order. Mosiah 4:26-27

In order to lift others we need to be in a position to help, not be dragged down. Also, being long suffering or merciful does not mean that you enable or accept the bad behavior of others.

Having charity is important for us as well as those we serve.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all
the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love,
which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ;
that ye may become the sons and daughters of God; that when he shall
appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may
have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure.
Amen. Moroni 7: 48

charity towards all men..faith…virtue…then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God… The Holy Ghost thy constant companion... D&C 121:45-46

Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. Joseph Smith p.426

An article in the New York Times talked about contagious behavior. According to a group of social reseaerchers everything from obesity to smoking habits to happiness to altruism is contagious. It isn't just the people that we come in immediate contact with. These behaviors are contagious to the third degree, meaning that for the average person we influence up to 1000 people. While both positive and negative behaviour spread, the positive things like happiness are the most contagious.

I hope that I can be more charitable.