Charity

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, charity is defined as the pure love of Christ. Jesus Christ loves each of us and sees us all as equals. He recognizes our potential and wants us to do our best to return to live with Him again. His love is perfect, and although we are not perfect, our Heavenly Father has asked us to do all we can to develop charity and become more like Christ in all that we do.

The scriptures provide a clearer picture of charity and offer examples of charity in action. During His ministry, Christ declared, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34-35). The Savior’s time on earth was defined by His love. He performed miracles, healed the sick, and was crucified for our sins because His love for us was so great. In turn, He asks us to extend that same charity to our fellow men and women during our mortal lives. In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Moroni teaches about charity, saying, “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).

What steps can you take to develop charity? Preach My Gospel, the training manual for missionaries, recommends several steps anyone can take. The first is to pray for the gift of charity, asking God sincerely to help you develop this gift. Another suggestion is to look for opportunities to serve (Preach My Gospel, chapter 6). By doing these things, you can move closer to obtaining the gift of charity for your fellow men and women. Additionally, the talks listed here are designed to offer counsel and insight regarding the principle of charity. We hope that as you read them you will find suggestions and receive revelation to help you move forward in this endeavor.

Inspiring Shorts

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By Study & By Faith

Gayla M. Sorenson August 8, 2017

Arthur C. Brooks February 24, 2009

Takashi Wada | October 15, 2024

The Book of Mormon is a textbook for our lives. By likening Nephi's story to ourselves we can come to know Christ and develop charity.

devotional 2024

Gerrit W. Gong | April 11, 2023

We can create our own best story by focusing on spiritual identity and relationships instead of focusing on our external environments.

devotional 2023

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

D. Todd Christofferson | August 22, 2022

BYU offers education paired with spiritual experience, which enables—and obligates—us to love and serve those around us.

university conference 2022

D. Todd Christofferson | March 22, 2022

We must remember to keep the first commandment first by making sure our relationship with God is central to our life.

devotional 2022

Shankar Vedantam | January 28, 2022

Forum address delivered by American journalist and science correspondent, Shankar Vedantam, centered on how to build a beloved community.

forum 2022

The Need for a Mass Coming Together of Poor People and People of Faith in This Moment of Crisis

William J. Barber II | November 30, 2021

An acclaimed advocate of the poor shares his vision for taking care of the needy.

forum 2021

Lisa Valentine Clark | July 20, 2021

Through her late husband's legacy, Lisa Valentine Clark teaches the importance of saying "yes, and . . . " in the creative art of living.

devotional 2021

D. Carolina Núñez | September 18, 2018

The story of the good Samaritan teaches why loving our neighbors—the ones who are in proximity—should be a primary focus in our lives.

devotional 2018

Lori L. Wadsworth | July 31, 2018

Knowing that everyone is a child of God influences our behavior. By seeing the divinity in others, we behave as disciples of Christ.

devotional 2018

Gayla M. Sorenson | August 8, 2017

We are all called to be advocates. Jesus Christ, our Advocate, teaches us how to represent causes and people with love and wisdom.

devotional 2017

Don R. Clarke | January 13, 2015

Pure religion is about helping, serving, and caring. Practicing pure religion brings happiness as we reach out to our brothers and sisters.

devotional 2015

Mark Alden Callister | October 7, 2014

God loves each of his children and, through charitable service, we can help find each of His lost sheep and bring them back to the fold.

devotional 2014

Brett G. Scharffs | May 12, 2009

Faith, hope, and charity are like a three-legged stool, each equally important to support us in our journey to draw closer to Jesus Christ.

devotional 2009

Arthur C. Brooks | February 24, 2009

Arthur C. Brooks explains why charitable giving is more than just a good idea; science and faith agree that it makes us better and happier.

forum 2009

Timothy B. Smith | February 12, 2008

As we embody a spirit of love, we find increased happiness and joy in our individual lives. Love can strengthen our families and friendships.

devotional 2008

John K. Carmack | February 3, 2004

There should be no doubt that we have a responsibility to give of our abundance and help the poor and needy. Education is one way to do so.

devotional 2004

Kevin J Worthen | July 21, 1998

Knowledge deepens our charity, which, in turn, deepens our knowledge. The relationship between the two is crucial to a true education.

devotional 1998

Maren M. Mouritsen | April 2, 1996

Many people are lost, willing to go anywhere life takes them, but never forget the power that one person can have on another's life.

devotional 1996

James D. MacArthur | May 10, 1994

We should strive to be filled with more love and charity toward one another in our homes, our classes, and our communities.

devotional 1994

Robert D. Hales | August 1, 1993

There are many gifts of the spirit. To qualify for their blessings, we must each strive to gain wisdom and live worthy of the Holy Ghost.

devotional 1993

Elaine L. Jack | March 10, 1992

Small acts of charity can make a big difference in the lives of others. When we exhibit charity, we are doing the extraordinary.

devotional 1992

Carolyn J. Rasmus | June 16, 1981

The text for my address this morning, "The Bond of Charity," comes from the 88th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, the 125th verse: And above all things clothe yourselves with a bond of charity as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace. I selected this topic because "The Bond of Charity" was the theme for the Annual University Conference this past year, a theme the…

devotional 1981

Marion D. Hanks | March 29, 1981

With Southeast Asian refugees as beautiful examples, Elder Hanks shares what it means to truly love our neighbor by feeding the body, mind, and soul.

devotional 1981

David B. Haight | December 7, 1980

The fruits of a Christlike life are loving, serving, and giving. May we all strive to better emulate Him this Christmas season.

devotional 1980

Vaughn J. Featherstone | February 27, 1979

As a Church, we ought to have charity, which is the pure love of Christ, reflected in every word, act, and deed, setting a true example for the world.

devotional 1979