Charity

This past week I was preparing a talk on service, by the end of my preparation I realized that I was focusing on service wrong.  I needed to be focused on Charity.  

Elder Marvin J. Ashton beautifully observed: “Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other.” 

I was a recipient of true charity today.  When I left church I found a gift for me on my car from an anonymous giver.  Because it was given at church I know it was from someone who has seen my weaknesses (they are apparent every Sunday when I am trying to fulfill my calling), but instead they chose to love me despite those weaknesses.  Their acceptance and love for me were apparent in the gift.  It was the beautiful painting pictured above.  Whomever painted it knows my love for reading and books.  I am so grateful for their act of Charity.  I pray that they know how much it means to me!

4 comments

  1. J says:

    This really hit home today for me. I have been struggling with my 8 year old daughter this summer. I feel I am not hearing her and she is not listening to me. We have argued so much I am beginning to feel that I have lost my sweet, thoughtful little girl. Perhaps I am lacking charity. Perspective is everything. Thank you for your help.

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