2009
In a Word: Charity
June 2009


“In a Word: Charity,” New Era, June 2009, 7

In a Word

Charity

Charity is “the pure love of Christ,” (Moroni 7:47). The prophet Mormon taught: “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; see also 1 Corinthians 13:4–7).

Jesus Christ is the perfect example of charity. In His mortal ministry, He always “went about doing good,” teaching the gospel and showing compassion for the poor, afflicted, and distressed (see Acts 10:38; Matthew 4:23; Mark 6:6). His crowning expression of charity was His infinite Atonement. This was the greatest act of selflessness we will ever know.

The Savior wants you to receive His pure love, and He also wants you to share it with others. He declared to His disciples: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34–35). In your relationships with family members and others, look to the Savior as your example. Strive to love as He loves. (See True to the Faith [2004], 27–29; you can also read it online at lds.org in the Gospel Library.)

Pool of Bethesda by Carl Heinrich Bloch

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