Arnold emphases how each of the last two prophets felt in their last days, that charity needed to be written about and expressed to future generations who would receive the Book of Mormon, and the prophet's warnings regarding pride and its pernicious cycle.
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Proceeding through the first section of this book, readers follow up the words of the last prophets of the Book of Mormon with those of the first prophets. Once again, the words of Nephi, Jacob and Enos are filled with the message of charity, what it is and its importance in everyone's life. In the second section of the book, "Moments of Grace, Christ's Love Showered on Earth ," the reader is taken through different examples of Christ's love, exemplified throughout the Book of Mormon. Some of these examples include the story of the Brother of Jared and his personal visitation with the Lord, and the Lamanite conversion through the hands of Alma and the Sons of Mosiah.
Each of these illustrations provides a good example of charity in action. You can view the latest Review magazine online, including selected articles and full online versions of the printed magazine. The featured speakers will talk about the Savior, his life, his mission, the Atonement, and his influence in our lives today.
"The Pure Love of Christ": The Divine Precept of Charity in Moroni 7
Attending the Easter Conference is an ideal way to prepare for the Easter season. This symposium is free to attend, and registration is not required. Abiding by Its Precepts , ed. Deseret Book, , — Richardson was an associate professor of Church history and doctrine at Brigham Young University when this was published. Consider the precept of charity, for example. Rather than being satisfied with describing what charity is like , Mormon provides a straightforward definition of what charity actually is.
It is explicit rather than implicit, particularly in the way he connects charity inseparably to Christ. Some may ask, Can you really go wrong with love—in any form? Obviously, saying that charity is important is an understatement. What if the present understanding of charity has already shifted from the divine precept taught in the Book of Mormon?
As malicious acts of terror become more common and as indiscriminate violence spreads, government leaders have called for a renewed sense of charity, or love, toward humanity as a whole. And certainly the Apostle Paul taught that charity was the greatest of all virtues see 1 Corinthians Consider how easily society embraces forms of godliness while, at the same time, vehemently opposes any type of connection with God.
Typically society readily accepts the acts of Jesus Christ—kindness, compassion, promotion of peace, understanding, and love—but will not acknowledge any serious connection these acts have with Christ and His doctrines or precepts. In short, they love the form of godliness but despise the power thereof, namely, God. This disconnect can also be seen in the etymology of charity.
Charity in the Book of Mormon
Scripturally, the Vulgate New Testament derived charity from the Latin caritas , while Greek versions are based on agape. All these terms are roughly translated as love. It is true that many other words describing aspects of love have also been used to define charity. Words like benevolence , affection , kindness , or esteem all come to mind.
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Even though every word either originated from some form of the term love or was associated with it, it should be pointed out that in earlier times, these definitions of charity were framed under the rubric of divine love. In short, the early word sources for charity were connected, in some way, with the divine Christ. Unfortunately, the meaning of charity has transformed over the years.
By AD , charity continued to include terms like love , kindness , affection , generosity , and goodness but had lost some of its obvious religious connection.
Charity Is the Greatest of All Virtues
Please understand that this is not an attempt to minimize or vilify love, kindness, compassion, generosity, or ethics in any way. In truth, these are admirable traits and necessary for a healthy society. Surely some could care less whether charity was connected to the divine as long as it provided practical, beneficial service to mankind. On the other hand, some feel that because these acts are good then a person exhibiting these behaviors will still come closer to God whether they intended to or not.
But while these practical and even biblical ideas of charity have favorable results, even the slightest disconnect with the divine stalls our progression. While Mormon did teach that all things which are good come from God see Moroni 7: We must remember that charity has a designed purpose: This recalls President Gordon B. You must be good for something. But even such desirable service will not of itself complete our relationship with God, because it will not by itself result in the bestowal of the complete attributes of godliness. Thus, even with good intentions, forms of godliness without its true source of power may provide some measure of reward; they are ultimately ineffective in helping us become as Christ truly is.
A priest came along, saw him, and passed him by.
Charity in the Book of Mormon – Just a Mormon
Then a temple attendant walked over, looked at him, and went on. However, a Samaritan, who was despised by the Jews, came along, and when he saw the man he felt compassion see the picture in this chapter. Kneeling beside him, the good Samaritan bandaged his wounds and took him on a donkey to an inn. He paid the innkeeper to take care of the man until he recovered. Jesus taught that we should give food to the hungry, shelter to those who have none, and clothes to the poor.
When we visit the sick and those who are in prison, it is as if we were doing these things for Him instead. He promises that as we do these things, we will inherit His kingdom. We should not try to decide whether someone really deserves our help or not see Mosiah 4: In this way we will be like our Father in Heaven, who causes rain to fall on the just and on the unjust alike see Matthew 5: Monson reminded us that there are those who need more than material goods:.
Have I helped anyone in need? What a formula for happiness! What a prescription for contentment, for inner peace—to have inspired gratitude in another human being.
There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done.
In the parable of the good Samaritan, how would you describe those who passed the injured man? How would you describe the Samaritan? In what ways can we apply the message of this parable in our lives? The Apostle Paul taught that when we have charity we are filled with good feelings for all people.
We are patient and kind. We are not boastful or proud, selfish or rude. When we have charity we do not remember or rejoice in the evil others have done. Neither do we do good things just because it is to our advantage. Instead, we share the joy of those who live by truth. When we have charity we are loyal, we believe the best of others, and we are kind to them. The Savior was our example of how to feel toward and treat others. He despised wickedness, but He loved sinners in spite of their sins.