without charity. I just wanted to make that clear. I have been thinking about the nature of charity and what it takes to become a truly charitable person. Charity seems to be the sum of all of Christ's characteristics. Charity is necessary to return to God. Charity is perfect love. Christ is charity:
"But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him." Moroni 7:47
I don't want to oversimplify these thoughts by saying obvious things, but I need to remind myself so often about the true nature of charity that I wonder if I am making progress at all. I made a list today (when I was skipping Sunday school because the teacher makes me nervous, I know... how charitable) of the things that incite bouts of unkindness:
-when I feel neglected, hurt, or offended
-when I am exhausted, feeling emotionally drained, or spiritually empty
-when I compare myself to others
-when I feel superior to others or when I feel intimidated by others
-when I perceive people being unkind to me
-when I am lonely
The list could have been much longer, but I realized that basically, it's when there is a void in my life. I start taking from others to try and fill it, and I am making unkindness or aloofness my response to many situations when I should be responding with charity. I know that my response to anyone at anytime should be kind. I never have the right to be cold or even outrightly rude, but I do it all the time. I do it at the library when I get late fines, I do it in long lines at the bank, I do it while I'm driving, I do it to my mom when she calls me and I'm in a bad mood, I do it to my friends when I feel like they aren't fulfilling my needs, I do it to my roommates, I even do it to the Lord when I doubt his plan for me or question his love for me. It's so difficult to respond with charity in every situation. I realize that in order to condition my responses to be kinder, I need to do the most that I can to be "filled". This week my goals are:
-pray for greater charity
-pray for people individually
-study about charity during my scripture study
-seek opportunities to give service (praying for these opportunities daily too)
-avoid gossip (I failed so miserably at this last week)
-express gratitude more often and take the time to compliment people more often as well
Charity is a spiritual gift to all who seek it, and I need to seek it with greater intent:
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, 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 followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen." Moroni 7:48
I want to take this moment, not just because it is a part of my goals for this week, but because I really feel this way, to express the love that I have for all who participate in this peculiar world of Moho bloggers and others who support and love them. I love you. You inspire me daily. Your struggles and your love for each other are often wonderful examples of Christ's love and also examples of how we should all behave as faithful saints. I am so grateful that my eyes were opened to this challenge. It is not because I compare my situation to it and see that I am better off and, therefore, more grateful for what I have. It is because I see that we all struggle in this life and we are able to find comfort in the Savior no matter what we deal with. I am able to love someone to a greater degree when I understand what challenges they have, although I should be able to love someone regardless of knowing about their challenges. I am grateful for this insight to the lives of others. I know that the struggle of feeling charity for all people will continue throughout my life, but I have hope that the Lord will help me to understand more as I go throughout my life. I know I will hurt people along the way, please forgive me if I've hurt you. I know I will feel pain, but I want to forgive and allow love to fill my heart. I'm not sure how to end this post, except to say that I'm trying. I want everyone to feel loved and I want to be a part of Christ's invitation to feel his love. I hope that I can be a better extension of his mercy.
