Moroni, chapter 7, is devoted to quoting a sermon given by his father which is perhaps one of the greatest discourses on faith, hope, and charity ever recorded. I especially enjoy the last four verses of this chapter:
Moroni 7: "45 And (a)charity suffereth long, and is (b)kind, and (c) envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily (d)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." It is worth noting the similarity here to the 13th Article of Faith, ". . . indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul--We believe all things we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."
46 "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail." This inspired the theme of the powerful women's service organization, the Relief Society, "Charity Never Faileth"!
47 "But (a)charity is the pure (b)love of Christ, and it endureth (c)forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him."
48 "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, (a)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 (b)followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall (c)be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be (d)purified even as he is pure. Amen."
This is very powerful! Charity is the pure love of Christ. It endures forever. We should pray with all the energy of heart so that we can be filled with this love (and filled with charity). This interconnection between charity, love, and prayer is the key to becoming purified as Christ is pure!
I love to ponder on this chapter and especially these four verses, allowing the words to pass through my mind repeatedly three or four times. The power of these inspired words increases and flows purely into our hearts with each repeated reading and pondering!
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Doug-
ReplyDeleteThanks for your great blog, I look forward to future posts.
Your discussion of charity reminded me of an Ensign article I read once that listed out some of the attributes of charity from the scriptures and expounded on them. It took me a few minutes to find it, but the article is from Elder Lynn G. Robbins in the October 2000 Ensign. While the original article is focused on love in marriage, I thought that the chart about love was really useful and I've copied a slightly edited version below. I just find it amazing that the single word/concept "charity" encompasses so many things! Reading this (long) list, it is clear that I can do better!
With love, Darin
“Suffereth long” (1 Cor. 13:4) • Is patient and tolerant, does not criticize. Recognizes that others are progressing, is patient with imperfections.
“Is kind” (1 Cor. 13:4) • Is nice, thoughtful, interested in others. • Is a Good Samaritan, comforts, is merciful.
“Envieth not” (1 Cor. 13:4) • Is content, grateful for blessings. • Rejoices in another’s gifts, talents, success. • Is generous and offers help to those in need. • Lives frugally.
“Is not puffed up” (1 Cor. 13:4) • Is humble, meek, teachable. • Does not speak vainly or seek attention. • Happily serves wherever called. • Lifts, praises, builds others up. • Seeks the will of God.
“Doth not behave itself unseemly” (1 Cor. 13:5) • Is courteous, well mannered, tactful, tasteful, reverent, respectful, mindful of others. • Is clean, neat, orderly.
“Seeketh not her own” (1 Cor. 13:5) • Is tender-hearted, sensitive, compassionate, merciful, generous. • Seeks unity, kneels together in prayer, listens with empathy, avoids contention. • Thinks “we” and “ours.” • Is approachable. • Seeks to please God.
“Is not easily provoked” (1 Cor. 13:5) • Is forgiving, patient, calm, gentle, respectful. • Understands that anger is a decision and can be controlled. • Is a peacemaker (see 3 Ne. 12:9).
“Thinketh no evil” (1 Cor. 13:5) • Is nonjudgmental, respectful, helpful, pure, obedient. • Has “no more disposition to do evil” (Mosiah 5:2). • Is modest in dress, thought, speech. • Virtue garnishes thoughts unceasingly.
“Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth” (1 Cor. 13:6) • Stays close to the Spirit through regular scripture study, prayer, obedience. • Has discovered that truth leads to joy and happiness.
“Beareth all things” (1 Cor. 13:7) • Has moral courage, is bold in truth. • Turns the other cheek, is calm. (This does not mean that abuse victims should silently bear cruelty.)
“Believeth all things” (1 Cor. 13:7) • Clearly sees the eternal potential of others. • Sees others as children of God. • Holds fast to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“Hopeth all things” (1 Cor. 13:7) • Is an optimist. • Looks for the best. • Praises, builds up, expresses affection. •
“Endureth all things” (1 Cor. 13:7) • Doesn’t complain or murmur. • Is responsible and gladly accepts callings. • Sees growth in adversity. • Has a desire to learn and progress. • Is steadfast, knows life is a test.
“Charity never faileth” (1 Cor. 13:8) • Loves as Christ loves us. • Is supportive.
Darin,
ReplyDeleteThank you for a great comment, expressed with love and charity. The list you quote is worthy of being posted in a place that would be seen daily for timely reminders!