Charity

Charity and Christlike love were taught and exemplified by the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Throughout his life the Prophet Joseph Smith showed his love for others in both word and deed. He performed kind acts and displayed deep compassion and warm affection for those around him, particularly those who were in need. Here are some of Joseph Smith’s teachings on charity, the pure love of Christ.*

Our Duty to Love Others

“Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. 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.”

“Observe charity, wisdom and fellow-feeling, with love one towards another in all things, and under all circumstances.”

“Consider the state of the afflicted and try to alleviate their sufferings; let your bread feed the hungry, and your clothing cover the naked; … do good to all men … that you may be harmless and blameless, the sons of God without rebuke.”

Charity Is Humble and Kind

“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.”

“Wise men ought to have understanding enough to conquer men with kindness.”

“When persons manifest the least kindness and love to me, O what power it has over my mind, while the opposite course has a tendency to harrow up all the harsh feelings and depress the human mind.”

Painting by Liz Lemon Swindle, Foundation Arts; do not copy