February: Learn: Charity

In the book of Luke, there is a story of a "certain lawyer" who asked Jesus, "Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"  Jesus replied with a counter question, "What is written in the law? how readest thou?"  The man replied with an admirable summary of the commandments: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself."  Jesus approved his answer when He said, "This do, and thou shalt live."  This do! the Savior said.  There is a difference between knowing and doing.  The lawyer realized that his plan to confound Jesus in his words had failed, and so he inquired further: "And who is my neighbour?"  The Savior then drew from His store of wisdom one of His most appreciated parables.  
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Click here to read The Parable of the Good Samaritan in context: Luke 10: 30-37

This month we will focus on the Christ-like attribute of Charity.  Jesus Christ is our perfect example of this attribute, as He always "went about doing good" never giving a second thought to His own needs.

1 Cor. 13: 4-7 (click to read in context)  and Moroni 7: 45-47 (click to read in context) define what Charity is.

President Monson said, "I consider charity - or 'the pure love of Christ' - to be the opposite of criticism and judging.  In speaking of charity I have in mind the charity that manifests itself when we are tolerant of others and lenient toward their actions, the kind of charity that forgives, the kind of charity that is patient.  I have in mind the charity that impels us to be sympathetic, compassionate, and merciful, not only in times of sickness and affliction and distress but also in times of weakness or error on the part of others."

He continues, "Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down.  It is resisting the impulse to become offended easily.  It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings.  It is accepting people as they truly are.  It is looking beyond physical appearances to attributes that will not dim through time.  Life is perfect for none of us.  Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life.  May we recognize that each one of us is doing her best to deal with the challenges which come her way, and may we strive to do our best to help out."