Christlike Love (Part 1)

In the next while I wanted to talk about a few different aspects of charity--not the kind of "charity" as in donating to a volunteer organization, but charity as it is known in the Book of Mormon "as the pure love of Christ." (You can read more about what charity means here.) As my religion professor put it, "Christ is charity." So when we ask, What would Jesus do, think, say, want?, that is charity. That can be our compass to help us to know what actions, thoughts, words, and desires are truly full of "the pure love of Christ."

I just wanted to share a few places in the scriptures that taught me about Christ's example and teachings of charity. For the sake of time, I am only going to post about one today, but I hope to share the rest soon if possible.

Charity is Forgiving and Being Forgiven

In the Sermon on the Mount, recorded in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, Christ taught a higher way of living than the Law of Moses or even society in general taught. He said, "Therefore, if ye shall come unto me, or shall desire to come unto me, and rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee. . .Go thy way unto thy brother, and first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I will receive you." (3 Nephi 12:23-24)

I feel like recently it has been easier for me to feel angry, to offend and to be offended. This scripture stood out to me because it can be hard sometimes to overcome these feelings of hurt that we give and receive. I have a lot of work to do with this, but I am grateful that each week we are able to partake of the Sacrament that represents Christ's body, blood, and sacrifice and to renew our covenants, reflect on our lives, and show that we want to do what is right and that we desire God's help.

Not long ago, I was about to feel upset about something really minor that someone did. As I was somewhat grumbling about the situation in my mind, I remembered that I was going to partake of the Sacrament that day. I knew that I made many almost identical mistakes on a daily basis. I prayed to my Heavenly Father in my heart that He would forgive me for my sins and foolishness, and also that He would help me to forgive that person. I was able to move forward, and though I was tempted for a moment during the Sacrament meeting to be angry again, I was able to feel peace and through His strength to remember that I can let that feeling of hurt go.

The words "I will receive you" show me a lot of what the Savior's charity means. I feel like Jesus Christ's arms are always open. Something I love about Him and our Heavenly Father is that not only are They willing to give anyone and everyone a chance to come unto Them and receive every possible blessing, but They want that for every person who wants it too and will come unto Them. That is charity. It is wanting the best for others. It is accepting any and all who would come unto you. It is making everyone feel that they are welcomed by you. It is "receiving" others. Something I love about the above scripture is that whatever occurred between the brothers may have cut deep. One of the brothers may have done a really horrible thing. Or one of the brothers may have even chosen not to forgive the other. But regardless of how bad the mistake was, whether or not his brother forgave him, or how hurt each brothers' feelings were, Christ had the power and desire to heal them. Receive them. I love His love of those who just want to do what is right, though imperfect they are.

I hope that this week we can remember to forgive and ask for forgiveness so that we can become free from the obstacles of offense that can keep us from Christ. I also hope that we can remember that He is eager to help and forgive us. He truly loves us purely and fully, and He can heal us. He has charity for us.

Love you! If you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to comment or message me.

Love, Abby