Charity: The True Love of Christ

 

                            

Charity is not just an idea—it’s an action. It is the way we show love to family, neighbors, and even those who may have wronged us. From my earliest days, I learned that charity wasn’t optional; it was woven into daily life.

Charity in the Home

Growing up, my father was a volunteer fireman. Whenever the town siren sounded—day or night—he dropped everything to respond. My mother devoted herself to church, community, and youth programs, raising funds to build a pool and recreation center for our town. Their example taught me that true love for others begins at home and in community.

Today, I try to live that lesson in small ways. For example, when my housemates return from work, I pause and listen to their day. Turning off the TV or putting my phone down may seem minor, but those small acts of attention and care are real expressions of Christlike love.

What Charity Really Means

The word “charity” has deep roots. In Latin, caritas means dearness or affection. In Greek, agapē means divine, selfless, sacrificial love. Combined, they capture the spirit of Paul’s timeless words in 1 Corinthians 13:

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; …
beareth all things, believeth all things,
hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Charity never faileth.”

Charity is not just one virtue among many—it is what binds them all together. As Paul also wrote, “Above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness” (Colossians 3:14).

Charity in Community

In Mosiah 4:26 we read:

“I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor … feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, and administering to their relief.”

Charity means showing up when others don’t. It can be as simple as fixing a fence, giving a ride, or sitting with someone who feels forgotten.

Charles Dickens once observed that some who devote themselves to charity seek as much excitement as those who live for pleasure. His words made me reflect: do I serve for my own joy, or because Christ’s love compels me? I believe it can be both—service can be deeply fulfilling and deeply Christlike, if joy flows from love.

Charity in Recovery

In recovery, we often say: “The only way to keep something is to give it away.”

As a sponsor, I share my experience, strength, and hope with those struggling against addiction. In doing so, I am kept on the path of recovery myself. St. Francis said it well: “It is in giving that we receive.”

One act of service even led me to the greatest gift of all. While helping a sponsee, I met two missionaries and a local brother who introduced me to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That small act of service changed the course of my life.

The Enduring Power of Charity

Charity transforms both the giver and the receiver. It heals the world and it changes the heart. Moroni taught:

“Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever” (Moroni 7:47).

And Jesus Christ Himself declared:

“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40).

Charity is not optional for disciples of Christ—it is essential. It is the essence of His gospel, the highest expression of discipleship, and the bond that holds everything together.

May we live with charity today, in small acts and great ones, and let Christ’s love shine through us.  

In the name sacred of Jesus Christ, Amen

Don’t Give Loss Free Rent in Your Brain

Dear Reader, 

I was reading an article titled “When Life Forces Your Hand, Embrace the New Chapter” by Adam Bergen. In the article, Bergen makes a strong point that loss or change should be looked at as an opportunity.

So often we allow our emotions to become a recording that goes round and round with no off switch. We play the same tune over and over, hoping the song or rhythm will be different this time. This is particularly evident when the course we are on has no probability of a different outcome.

Grieving a loss—whether of a person, a relationship, a dream, or even a way of life—can certainly fall into this scenario. We relive the good and bad times of our shared moments, preventing ourselves from thinking of new possibilities. In essence, we allow the past to have free rent in our brain.

I am not so calloused as to suggest that grieving should be skipped over lightly. Grieving is a natural part of the human experience, and it’s okay to take as long as you need to find peace. Yet, as William James observed, “Acceptance of what has happened is the first step to overcoming the consequences of any misfortune.” Acceptance is not forgetting—it’s freeing ourselves to live again.

For a recovering alcoholic or addict, this continued allowance of mind space to loss can be dangerous. It can become a breeding ground for self-pity and resentment—two powerful triggers for relapse—unless we pick up a recovery tool and change our thinking. As Maya Angelou reminds us, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”

So what to do when we find ourselves caught in such a vortex? Bergen provides three thoughts on how to maintain an optimistic attitude and cope when things go wrong:

1. Life happens for you, not to you.

2. This too shall pass.

3. Be with what is.

To these, I would add some personal lessons learned along the way:

• Find meaning in your pain. Henri Nouwen wisely said, “When we become aware that we do not have to escape our pains, but that we can mobilize them into a common search for life, those very pains are transformed from obstacles into doorways.”

• Trust God’s refining process. As the Lord declared in Ether 12:27, “My grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me… then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”

• Believe that nothing is wasted. In 2 Nephi 2:2, we are reminded, “Thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain.”

Loss will visit all of us, but we decide whether it is a tenant in our minds or a teacher in our lives. We can keep the door open to the past—or we can invite God to help us open the door to the future. With grace, acceptance, and the courage to live the next chapter, we can stop giving loss free rent in our brain and instead invest that space in hope, healing, and new beginnings.

AI and a challenge in the "W"s

 

Dear Reader  

Just for the fun of it I opened a List of quote topics today.  I found it interesting and humorous that all the topics under "W" could be used as a topic of its own. 

The list of topics is War, Wedding, Wisdom Favorite, Women and Work.  Just for the enlightenment of my thinking I ran the topics by ChatGPT to see what AI would do with such a list.   

The below is AI first attempt: 

"From War to Weddings: A Journey of Work, Wisdom, and Women" 

Dear Reader, 

In life’s journey, there are a few universal experiences: conflict, celebration, learning, relationships, and labor. Or as BrainyQuotes might categorize them: War, Wedding, Wisdom, Women, and Work. 

War isn’t always fought on battlefields. In recovery, we fight inner wars—against old habits, pride, fear, and the subtle enemy of complacency. As the Greek historian Thucydides observed, “The secret of happiness is freedom, and the secret of freedom is courage.” In recovery, courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the daily choice to face it without retreat. 

Wedding moments come when we make binding commitments—not only in marriage but in covenant relationships with God, our recovery fellowship, and our own integrity. As in ancient Hebrew tradition, a wedding was not merely a social event but a spiritual covenant. I’ve found that the promises I make to God and others are sacred “marriages” of the heart, worthy of celebration and careful keeping. 

Wisdom is the thread that ties battles and vows together. Confucius said, “By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third, by experience, which is bitterest.” Recovery has taught me all three, often in the same day. 

Women—well, they’ve been the backbone of my learning in more ways than I can count. From the nurturing strength of my mother to the quiet counsel of trusted friends, the wisdom of women has often kept me from the foolishness of my own mind. As C.S. Lewis noted, “The homemaker has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only—and that is to support the ultimate career.” 

Work remains the proving ground for all the above. It’s where our character meets our commitments, our faith meets our actions, and our ideals meet reality. The Stoic philosopher Epictetus reminds us, “First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” 

From a theological perspective, the Apostle Paul wrote: “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:12). And Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf has said, “Discipleship is the work of a lifetime, but it is also a joyful journey.” 

In the end, whether you are in a season of war, rejoicing at a wedding, seeking wisdom, learning from women, or doing meaningful work, remember: the Lord “will go before your face… be on your right hand and on your left” (D&C 84:88). And that is the greatest promise of all—He is present in every chapter, every topic, and every step of our recovery and discipleship. 

"Five W's for Life: War, Wedding, Wisdom, Women, and Work"

Dear Reader  

Just for the fun of it I opened a List of quote topics today.  I found it interesting and humorous that all the topics under "W" could be used as a topic of their own. 

The list of topics is War, Wedding, Wisdom Favorite, Women and Work.  Just for the enlightenment of my thinking I ran the topics by ChatGPT to see what AI would do with such a list.   The below is a blend of a message and some humor.

If life were a newspaper, the big headlines might read: War, Wedding, Wisdom, Women, and Work.
And while they sound like topics for five separate chapters, in my own recovery journey I’ve found they often weave together into one surprising story.

War – Not all battles involve soldiers. Some are fought on the inside—against fear, pride, and the temptation to believe old lies about ourselves. Others happen in the kitchen over who left the milk out. Napoleon advised, “Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.” I’ve learned not to interrupt my own growth by running from discomfort; sometimes the inner battle is where faith is forged.

Wedding – A wedding is more than cake and awkward dancing—it’s a covenant. And in recovery, I’ve made other “wedding vows” of sorts: to my Higher Power, to my fellowship, and to the new life I’m building. Like marriage, these commitments work only when I show up daily and stop keeping score. As the scriptures remind us, “Charity… seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil” (Moroni 7:45).

Wisdom – Socrates said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” I would add: “Especially when you’re tired, hungry, or talking to a teenager.” Wisdom comes in three ways: by reflection (which is noble), imitation (which is easy), and experience (which is bitter). Recovery has given me all three—sometimes in the same day.

Women – They have been my teachers, encouragers, and reality-checkers. From my mother’s steady guidance to friends and mentors who have spoken hard truths in love, I’ve learned to value their insight. As Abraham Lincoln put it, “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” I’ve also learned that ignoring good counsel—especially from wise women—can be hazardous to your health.

Work – Whether it’s a career, a calling, or simply doing the dishes, work is where our ideals meet reality. In recovery, “work” isn’t just what earns a paycheck—it’s writing inventory, making amends, showing up for others, and living our principles when no one is watching. Mark Twain said, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” I’ve found joy in the “work of the Lord,” which Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf calls “a joyful journey.”

The Apostle Paul wrote: “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:12). That’s the thread tying all five W’s together: the courage to fight the right battles, honor our commitments, seek wisdom, respect those who guide us, and keep doing the work—until the day the Lord says, “Well done.”

So whether you’re in a war, headed to a wedding, chasing wisdom, listening to women, or just plain working at life—remember: God is present in each. And He might even be smiling, because He gave us the gift of both joy and laughter along the way.

"Finding Purpose in the Things We Do"

 

Dear Reader,

Have you ever asked yourself, “Why am I doing this?” I know I have—especially when I’ve said yes to something I’m not fully committed to. For example, I’ve found myself at a lunch meeting, watching the clock and thinking of everything else I could be doing. In those moments, the simple act of sharing a meal loses its meaning because my heart isn’t in it.

So how do we handle such moments? How do we stay in alignment with what matters?

Recovery has taught me a few things, often the hard way:

• Don’t overcommit.

• Prioritize what truly matters to you.

• Delegate or let go of what others can do better.

• Accept your human limitations—you are not a superhero.

• Most importantly, invite God into your plans with the sincere prayer:
  “Not my will, but Thine be done.”

In Doctrine and Covenants 11:13–14, the Lord offers this gentle reassurance:

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy.
And then shall ye know… all things whatsoever you desire of me… in faith believing that you shall receive.”

When we seek this kind of divine guidance, we find clarity. Our actions become more purposeful, our plans simpler, and our path steadier.

William Feather reminds us,

“A man must not deny his manifest abilities, for that is to evade his obligations.”

Charlotte Whitton adds,

“When one must, one can.”

It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing the right things with love. As David Wilkerson put it,

“Love is not only something you feel—it is something you do.”

And Jesus said,

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

So the deeper question becomes: Am I acting out of love or out of ego?
Am I strengthening my spirit or feeding my self-importance?

Alma gives us a powerful example of what happens when we surrender self and take up purpose:

“But behold, my limbs did receive their strength again… and from that time until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance… that they might be born of God and filled with the Holy Ghost.” (Alma 36:23–24)

When we step out of the way—when we remove ego—we gain strength from right action. We discover that purpose isn’t always found in what we do, but in why we do it.

I hope these reflections offer a new perspective—not to replace your own truth, but perhaps to walk beside it for a while.

Amen.

Charity and the Grace of God: The Path to Real Personal Growth

Dear Reader

A year ago, on August 8, I posted a collection of quotes on Facebook. Today, I’d like to revisit those words—not just as quotations, but as truths that have grown roots in my life over the past year.

A Native American proverb says, “We will be known forever by the tracks we leave.” Over these twelve months, I’ve become more aware of the quiet trails I’m leaving behind—both in my home and in my community. I’ve had moments of deeper family communication and found joy in preparing meals for those who are homeless. These tracks feel different than those I left in years past—more intentional, more rooted in love.

This change didn’t happen by accident. It has been the fruit of a committed effort to think less about myself and more about the needs of others. As Walk in Dry Places puts it: “When we stop thinking of ourselves as special, we also become more teachable. We learn more from the experiences of others. Then we realize that we’re both special and generic, and we use this knowledge for self-improvement rather than self-destruction.”

Charity, to me, is more than kindness—it’s an active expression of the love of Christ. That perspective has brought me to Confucius’s wisdom: “Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.”

I’ve found that learning this kind of truth can be uncomfortable. Jill S. Alexander captures it perfectly: “You’re never alone, and God made everyone unique with different gifts. Now that’s not to say it doesn’t sting a little when someone points yours out.” Sometimes growth comes with a sting, but that’s often where grace begins its work.

Ultimately, the deepest lesson I’ve learned is that real growth comes through the charity and grace of Jesus Christ. In His own words: “The Son can do nothing of His own accord, but only what He sees the Father doing” (John 5:19). If even the Savior lived in complete harmony with the Father’s will, then my path to growth is clear—follow His example.

The Book of Mormon offers the same call. Alma counseled his son: “Do not endeavor to excuse yourself… but let the justice of God, and His mercy, and His longsuffering have full sway in your heart; and let it bring you down to the dust in humility” (Alma 42:30).

And Ammon’s words remind me of our shared calling: “I am a man… created after the image of God, and I am called by His Holy Spirit to teach… that they may be brought to a knowledge of that which is just and true” (Alma 18:34).

I testify that when we follow the direction of Jesus Christ—when charity and grace guide our steps—we will be led into real personal growth. And the tracks we leave will be ones that point others toward Him.

Amen.

No Guarantees: A Lesson in Walking Through Fear

Dear Reader,

Today I came across a reflection in my Sober App about how often we wait for guarantees before we commit to anything—from planning a trip to making a life decision. That struck home. From my own experience, I know how often I become almost immobile when I expect life to offer guarantees before I act.

Of course, I know this is unrealistic, but that doesn't stop the fear from creeping in. And when fear takes root, it doesn’t just paralyze me—it leads me to procrastinate, delay, or give up on things that could bring meaning or joy.

A Personal Example

Recently, I was offered the opportunity to serve in my church’s temple. It was something I wanted to do—something I felt called to do. But my mind filled with questions:

• Will I have time?

• What if the shifts are in the late afternoon and I can't keep it up as days get shorter?

• What if I say yes and then fail to follow through?

These concerns, though based in reality, began to hold me back from something good. That’s when I recognized the pattern: I was looking for guarantees. And when we start demanding certainty in an uncertain world, we’re setting ourselves up for disappointment.

The Trap of Wanting Guarantees

Wanting guarantees can become a trap—especially for those in recovery. Why?

Because guarantees don’t exist.

When we try to control outcomes, we create stress. When our expectations aren’t met, we become resentful or discouraged. And when stress and resentment pile up, relapse is often not far behind. That’s why I’ve learned that it’s not the fear itself that causes trouble—it’s how I react to it.

What Recovery Teaches Me

The lessons that help me most are thought out and spiritual. Here’s what recovery has taught me:

• Fear is an emotion, not a fact.
  It doesn’t need to be obeyed.

• We overcome fear by walking through it.
  Each step becomes a checkmark in the box of actions that have worked in the past.

• Recovery is action-based.

  “The steps are a path of action. There is no recovery in theory—only in practice.” — 12-Step Speaker Wisdom

• We hand over fear to a Higher Power.

  “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.” — AA Saying

• We act as if—until the 'if' becomes real.

  “It is not enough to wish and wait; we must move forward, trusting that God walks with us into the unknown.” — Howard W. Hunter, LDS Prophet

• We give thanks.
  Gratitude to God and others keeps us grounded in humility and grace.

The Bottom Line

We don’t need guarantees to move forward. We need faith—and faith is action. If you act in love, truth, and spiritual principle, and things don’t work out as planned, you’ve still succeeded. You’ve done all you could do—and that’s enough.

Every time we walk through fear, we leave behind a trail of evidence that God walked with us.

By the Grace of Christ,
Amen.

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Appendix of Quotes for Walking Through Fear

Recovery Wisdom

• “We must act our way into right thinking, not think our way into right action.” — Bill Wilson

• “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.” — AA Saying

Christian Theology

• “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.” — Psalm 23:4 (KJV)

• “Do not be afraid; only believe.” — Mark 5:36 (KJV)

• “It is not enough to wish and wait; we must move forward, trusting that God walks with us into the unknown.” — Howard W. Hunter

Wisdom & Philosophy

• “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

• “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” — Martin Luther King Jr.