Charity

I've been in Moroni 7 for a few days now. I just don't want to leave. I read and re-read vs 45, over and over and over...somehow hoping that each time I read it, it will settle itself into my soul and become a part of me. One more time.

'And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily 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.

...Charity is the pure love of Christ.'

How I so desire to feel this way. Towards everyone!

I think of my life and all my day-to-day activities, as well as the thoughts and motives that are my companion, and I realise how different my world would be if I felt this Charity for all around me.

No complaining. Or anger. Free from selfishness. Wouldn't it feel liberating to not be so self-centered? No doing things to gain the praise of those around you - just think of all the activities, all the thoughts and efforts that would be omitted from our days if we didn't do things to seek the praise and approval of those around us...or maybe it's just me.

I like to think of those that I know I feel this charity towards. I think of my family and how much I love them, and desire all the happiness and joy for them. My life would be so rich if I felt this way for EVERYONE.

Moroni teaches to pray for this charity, with 'all the energy of heart'.

Elder Gene R. Cook also shares that having charity for others starts with having charity towards ourselves. Seeing ourselves as God sees us.

And understanding Gods love for us, comes with truly understanding the Atonement of our Saviour. Which, I'm thinking, is a lifelong quest, that is worth the time and effort.

'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoso believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life'.

Yesterday, as I sat listening to the words of the temple ordinances, coupled with the sweet whisperings of the spirit, I learnt something that seems so juvenile in gospel understanding, yet has taking me so long to have 'click'. I have been sanctified! Every time I partake of the sacrament each week, I am sanctified. Every time I repent in prayer, I am sanctified.

'As we increasingly think and act like Him, the attributes of the natural man will slip away to be replaced by the heart and the mind of Christ. We will become like Him and then truly receive Him.' (Gene R. Cook)

I love the scriptures. I love how they help me to see my weaknesses, and then give me hope enough to work on overcoming them. I love how they teach of Christ. I want to know Him better. I love how there is a place I can go, to come to know Him more.