The Pure Love of Christ

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)

Charity is such an enormously important principle to not only understand, but it is an attribute we must all possess. To be charitable is to follow the example the Savior has set for us and to serve others without hesitation. Charity involves a pure heart; a heart filled with the love of Christ.

Charity is not simply raking up leaves, cleaning a house, or bringing someone dinner. Charity is serving with all of your heart, doing the Lord’s will, and ministering unto his children. Charity is more than actions – it is about aligning the true intentions of your heart to match your actions.

To better understand the nature of charity, we must first reflect on the example set by the Savior. Jesus Christ lived to serve all of God’s children and he did so with such incredible willingness.

“He put himself and his own needs second and ministered to others beyond the call of duty, tirelessly, lovingly, effectively. So many of the problems in the world today spring from selfishness and self-centeredness in which too many make harsh demands of life and others in order to meet their demands.

If we follow in [the Savior’s] footsteps, we can live by faith rather than by fear. If we can share his perspective about people, we can love them, serve them, and reach out to them – rather than feeling anxious and threatened by others” (Spencer W. Kimball)

One of the magnificent things about charity is the way it can influence one’s life. Charitable acts are not only for the recipient, but they are for givers as well. The true blessings of charity will come as one commits their lives to serving others. Charity is a gift from God. As you follow the counsel to do righteous works, your love for people will increase tenfold. The love for those you serve will become stronger and you will soon become truly and genuinely concern with the eternal happiness of others. As you serve others, you will begin to see them as they truly are: children of God with potential to become like Him.

Charity is a Christlike attribute that will become stronger in our lives as we continuously practice it – let us remember the words of Moroni: If ye have not charity, ye are nothing.