Charity

While looking for something on one of my flash drives, I found a quote I had used in a talk that is so good I thought I would put it here so that I might find it easier and more often.
This is from Elder Marvin J. Ashton, and it was used in 2 different Visiting Teaching messages within 2 years so you know it must be good! I need to remember this when I am thinking about Christ-like love:
VT message quote by Marvin J. Ashton (June 2004 and 2006)

“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. …
“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. … 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” (“The Tongue Can Be a Sharp Sword,” Ensign, May 1992, 18–19).

And, while I am on the subject, I used to love hearing from Elder Ashton when he spoke in General Conference. He always gave messages of hope and love. He died in 1994. He was a very good man.

Light

My neighbor, Tyler, just got home from his mission. I was struck by how he radiated the light of the gospel. There was something special about him. There was a light in his eyes. He had changed. He looked so happy. I was so proud of him for making the choices that brought him to that point. You can tell that whatever he was doing was right. Contrast that with someone who you can tell just by looking in their eyes that they are not making good choices. They don't look happy. There is no light in their eyes, in fact, they will not look you in the eyes.

I was reading over The Living Christ Sunday and read the description of Jesus that Joseph Smith gave us.

Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:

“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:3–4).

The part of this that stood out to me was his description of Jesus' eyes. They were as a flame of fire. There was a "light" in his eyes! When we make choices and try hard to follow Jesus' example, we get a light in our eyes. That light comes from Jesus Christ, who is the light, the life, and the hope of the world.