-Lesson given by my friend, Laura-
Thoughts from “Charity Never Faileth” by Thomas S. Monson, Sept. 2010
Main Ideas-
Part A:
1. No one is perfect…”and yet for some reason, despite our own imperfections, we have a tendency to point out those of others”.
2. There is no way to know the a) heart, b) intentions, c) circumstances behind someone’s actions [we don’t have all the facts].
3. “Appearances can be so deceiving, such a poor measure of a person”.
4. “Each of you is unique”…the differences are endless. Do these differences tempt us to judge one another?
Mother Teresa said, “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”
Part B:
Instead of judging, President Monson admonishes us to focus on the following:
“I consider charity-or ‘the pure love of Christ’-to be the opposite of criticism and judging”
- Charity is tolerant of others and lenient toward their actions
- Charity forgives
- Charity is patient with someone who has let us down
- Charity impels us to be sympathetic
- Charity is compassionate
- Charity is merciful in time of weakness or error on the part of others
- Charity gives attention to those who are unnoticed
- Charity gives hope to those who are discouraged
- Charity aids those who are afflicted
- Charity does not gossip
- Charity resists the impulse to become offended easily
- Charity accepts weaknesses and shortcomings in ourselves and others
- Charity accepts people as they truly are
- Charity looks beyond physical appearances toward attributes
- Charity resists the impulse to categorize others
- Charity manifests itself in a hundred small ways
“Life is perfect for none of us. Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life.” -Thomas S. Monson
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What a great lesson! Hope your Sunday was the Best! Love, Joy
Amen