"And now I know that this love which thou hast had for the children of men is charity; wherefore, except men shall have charity they cannot inherit that place which thou hast prepared in the mansions of thy Father."
I really love this chapter. Moroni who is the lone Nephite remaining, and keeper of the records, expresses his concern that the Gentiles will mock their words. Yet, his words I find so inspiring. What humility comes from Moroni regarding his abilities, the spirit compensates whatever lack he felt he may have had.
I had so many favorite verses in this chapter it was hard to pick just one. I decided on this one because of a quote I have from Marvin J. Ashton on it.
"Charity is, perhaps, in many ways a misunderstood word. We often equate charity with visiting the sick, taking in casseroles to those in need, or sharing our excess with those who are less fortunate. But really, true charity is much, much more.
Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again. It makes the thought of [putting others down] repulsive.
Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don't judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone's differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn't handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another's weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other."
(Marvin J. Ashton, "The Tongue Can Be a Sharp Sword", Apr 1992, General Conference)
To think of Moroni's beautiful words in light of him having lost all his family, friends and society at the hands of the Lamanites, who are still hunting him down. It shows by example his charity. Remaining quiet can be one of the most powerful acts that demonstrate this. Moroni saw my day, he knows how desperately I need charity to spiritually and physically survive these times.
Day 1989
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