Charity and Love

     The next Christlike attribute is probably the most important attribute that we need to develop during the course of our life. That attribute is charity, the pure love of Christ. Now, what exactly is charity? Yes it is the pure love of Christ, but what does that entail? In the Bible Dictionary it explains charity as this, "The highest, noblest, strongest kind of love, not merely affection; the pure love of Christ." Now to me that sounds like a pretty important type of love to develop. Having charity and love for everyone is very important to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
     Christ was once asked, "Which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus answered: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" (Matthew 22:36-39). Preach My Gospel says that this pure love "includes God's eternal love for all His children. We are to seek to develop that kind of love. When you are filled with charity, you obey God's commandments and do all you can to serve others and help them receive the restored gospel."
     "Charity is a gift from God." A prophet in the Book of Mormon, named Mormon, tells us one way we can gain charity. He says in Moroni 7: 48 that we should "pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that [we] may be filled with this love." If we are to pray and ask to be filled with love and charity towards our fellow men, it must be important to God that we strive obtain this precious gift.
     Preach My Gospel goes on to explain what will happen to us as we develop charity. "As you follow this counsel and strive to do righteous works, your love for all people will increase, especially those among whom you labor. You will come to feel a sincere concern for the eternal welfare and happiness of other people. You will see them as children of God with the potential of becoming like our Heavenly Father, and you will labor in their behalf. You will avoid negative feelings such as anger, envy, lust, or covetousness. You will avoid judging others, criticizing them, or saying negative things about them. You will try to understand them and their points of view. You will be patient with them and try to help them when they are struggling or discouraged. Charity, like faith, leads to action. You will develop charity as you look for opportunities to serve others and give of yourself."
     Our Savior Jesus Christ set the example for us in pretty much every aspect of life. One being this love I've blogged about. He showed and demonstrated this kind of love throughout His life. He always looked for ways to serve His Father's children. Also, He proved His love for us by sacrificing Himself and suffering for all our sins, pains, and afflictions so we could have a chance to live with God again. I'm so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father and Brother who love us with unconditional love and who are willing to bless us with this love if we have that desire to become like them. I know that if we are filled with charity, the pure love of Christ, then we will see everyone as God sees them and we will find our lives being more happy and blessed.


  Christ healing at the Pool of Bethesda

 

Christ suffering for the world.

People giving service to those in need.

Related Scriptures About Charity:

What is Charity?

Moroni 7: 45-48

1 Corinthians 13

How did Jesus Christ demonstrate Charity?

1 Nephi 19:9

Alma 7: 11-13

Ether 12: 33-34

Luke 7:12-15

What do these verses teach you about Charity?

2 Nephi 26:30     Alma 7:24          1 Timothy 4:12

Mosiah 2:17        Ether 12:28         1 Peter 4:8

Mosiah 28:3        D&C 88:125