True Charity

     The C.S. Lewis quote in Goodard's book hit a bit close to home and caused me to seriously reflect on my attitude about charity.  In the quote, he states, "...nine times out of ten the most obvious one is some sin against charity...surely what a man does when he is taken off his guard is the best evidence for what sort of man he is."  (or, in this case, woman). I did some soul searching about some of my knee-jerk reactions, and realize that many of them are when I am caught off-guard, and they are usually directed at the ones I love the most.  The annoyed reactions and impatience come with kids forgetting assignments or last minute needs.  Sometimes they are from altered schedules or unexpected guests.  I learned from this chapter that having charity does not mean I have to LIKE those things, but my reactions reflect on who I am as a wife, mother and daughter of God.  I recognize it now when my husband approaches me cautiously to tell me about an unforeseen meeting or change in our plans.

     Charity for those around me sometimes requires me to not verbalize my frustrations, but rather to understand I do not have to necessarily like the actions, but to love the person. I often get overwhelmed in the moment, and say more than I should.  To be charitable to my loved ones, I need to take on the following example: 

 

 

     I also loved the statement by Elder Max Caldwell that gives further insight into the true meaning of the word charity.  He compares charity to three dimensions of love of Christ; Love for Christ, Love from Christ, and love like Christ.   He explains that when we feel the love from Christ, we feel greater love for Christ, and are more capable of loving like Christ, which is true charity.  One of my daughters has the great gift of seeing other people as God sees them.  To her, they are beautiful, valued children of God.  I honestly have never seen her have guile for anyone.  She is able to give others the benefit of the doubt and is not cynical or judgmental when others look or act differently. I admire that gift and see it as pure charity. It is difficult to show charity if you feel pity for yourself or victimized by others. Charity requires us to step "out" of ourselves, beyond our wants and desires, and think of others first, as Christ set the example.