Daughters in my Kingdom

I have been so grateful to have a copy of this remarkable book for the last few weeks. I love reading a few pages every time I get a chance. I was particularly struck by an excerpt from a talk by President Thomas S. Monson on charity. The message was shared only a year ago as part of the general Relief Society broadcast, and yet, somehow in a year I had forgotten so much of his important message.

President Monson spoke of charity beyond just the relief of suffering or giving of substance (though noted that this form of charity is also "necessary and proper"). "I have in mind the charity that manifests itself when we are tolerant of others and lenient toward their actions, the kind of charity that forgives, the kind of charity that is patient.

"I have in mind the charity that impels us to be sympathetic, compassionate, and merciful, not only in times of sickness and affliction and distress but also in times of weakness or error on the part of others.

"There is a serious need for the charity that gives attention to those who are unnoticed, hope to those who are discouraged, aid to those who are afflicted. True charity is love in action. the need for charity is everywhere.

"Needed is the charity which refuses to find satisfaction in hearing or in repeating the reports of misfortunes that come to others, unless by so doing, the unfortunate one may be benefited...

"Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. it is resisting the impulse to become offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are. It is looking beyond physical appearances to attributes that will not dim through time. It is resisting the impulse to categorize others."

And the message went on. I read back through the words of this living Prophet, and I know that I have a whole new list of goals to work toward. My vision of charity needs to expand. And I'm so grateful that we are given the wonderful guidance we need to truly become more like our Savior.