Charity

1. Definition:
1. 1828: In a general sense, love, benevolence, good will; that disposition of heart which inclines men to think favorably of their fellow men to think favorably of their fellow men, and to do them good. In a theological sense, it includes supreme love to God, and universal good will to men.
1. Love (devotion)
2. Benevolence (compassion)
3. Do (act)
1. Charity is love in it’s purest form. It is an action showing your devotion to others and your God.
2. Quotes:
1. “Every good act is charity. A man's true wealth hereafter is the good that he does in this world to his fellows.” (Moliere)
1. Charity is an action, as I said before. It is doing something, anything, good for another person because of your love for them.
2. “In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas” ("unity in necessary things; liberty in doubtful things; charity in all things") (Philipp Melanchthon)
1. There is a time and a place for all things. Every action has it’s place. Liberty must be confined so it, like a kite, can soar. Unity must also, else it strangles the freedoms of others. Charity is the exception to this rule. It is a way of living, and is appropriate always.
3. Scriptures:
1. “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)
1. Charity is greater than both faith and hope. I think because it is the application of those things.
2. “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—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 7:46-47)
1. Charity is an attribute of Christ. This is how He shows His love to us. We must strive to develop Charity or else we cannot return to our Father.
4. Personal Definition:

“Charity is the pure love of Christ,” an action and a way of living. It is an application of Faith and Hope. Charity is required for entrance to the Celestial Kingdom. It is the strongest rock you can build yourself on.