Christ is Charity, Charity is Christ

Moroni in the final book of the Book of Mormon gives us golden chapters of eternal and important doctrines. Moroni is one of my favorite books to read because in a few short chapters I feel we learn a lot about the nature of Christ and the people we are to become.

Moroni chapter 7 verse 45 reads,
"And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."

My teacher in class had us change the word charity with Christ. In verse 47 we read "but charity is the pure love of Christ."  Now listen to this scripture in possibly a new light...

  And Christ suffereth long, and is kind and envieth not, He is not puffed up, seeketh not His own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, Christ beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Charity isn't a thing out in the distance. Charity is Christ, His pure and perfect love.

This is my final blog for the semester and I have realized how many of my blogs are focused on the Savior. I realized it is because He is found within the pages of the Book of Mormon. If you want to feel the love of your Savior, read it. If you want to know He is there, read it. If you want to know what He has done and continues to do for you, I would encourage you to read this sacred book. 

I testify of a Savior who "suffereth long, and is kind." Our Savior Jesus Christ envieth not, is not puffed up, and is the most humble Man to ever walk the earth.  I testify of a Savior who had moments where He could have easily been provoked, yet He forgave and showed mercy instead.  I testify of a Savior who thinketh no evil, who sought in all ways to provide a perfect example of righteousness for us. I testify of a Savior who beared all things, who believed all things, who hoped all things, and who endured everything. "God be thanked for the matchless gift of His Divine Son."
 


It is my hope that I can grow up to be more like Christ. I love this verse because it describes His attributes perfectly, the attributes I am trying to know more perfectly.  

He is Risen

Mormon, a Prophet of the Lord, while teaching a group of people called the Lamanites invites them to believe in Christ.

One of the most powerful messages of the gospel is that Christ died for us, was resurrected for us, and lives again for us. 

In verse five of Mormon chapter 7 we read, "know ye that ye must come to the knowledge of your fathers, and repent of all your sins and iniquities and believe in Jesus Christ, that he is the Son of God, and that he was slain by the Jews, and by the power of the Father he hath risen again whereby he hath gained the victory over the grave and also in him is the sting of death swallowed up."

Christ is our Savior. He has saved, and continues to save us. I know that He has power over death, that He broke the bands of death and completed His mission until the very end. I know that our Savior lives. I know that He accomplished everything He said He did. He was who He said He was. He is the greatest conqueror. He can mend broken hearts and swallow up the sting of death. His pure love is abiding. I love this Easter season. It is my hope that we can remember Him more each day, and discover how real and alive He is in our lives. Because He endured all, He understands all. Turn to Him, trust Him, He will heal you.

"He is Risen." -Matthew 28:6

“And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!" -Joseph Smith 

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2000/04/the-living-christ-the-testimony-of-the-apostles-the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints?lang=eng

Our Savior, Jesus Christ lives today. I know it, because I feel Him daily. Easter brings such a joyous season as we celebrate this doctrine.
 
 Find out more and watch an incredible couple minute Easter video here! 

https://www.mormon.org/?cid=HP_SU_9-4-2017_dMIS_fMORG_xLIDyL1-A_

One By One

Every time I near the end of the Book of Mormon I eagerly anticipate reaching third Nephi when Christ appears to the people in the American Continent. It's like reading the best happy ending to an incredible story and I can't help but feel joy when I read in. This group of people had waited many years for the promised Messiah to come, and it is an emotional chapter to read when He finally does come and minister to this faithful group.

  As I was reading in 3 Nephi chapter eleven verse fifteen I was reminded of how Christ  ministers to "the one."

"And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by prophets, that should come."

My religion professor pointed out through this verse that the Atonement is infinite (hence the word multitude) yet it is also intimate (the words one by one). Although Christ's sacrifice was for the entire world, it very personally connects the one. It connects to you and it connects to me. It is infinite, but it is also so intimate. Although there are billions of people to have walked the earth I know that the Savior very personally suffered for me. He knows me by name, He understands my struggles and hardships, He picks me up when I fall, and His love is always constant. He is my greatest source of joy. Every joy I have ever felt is because of Him.


I know that Savior did come to the American continent. He is no respecter or persons. He loves everyone regardless of ethnicity, geography, status, etc. I can't imagine how this group of people felt  as the glorified Savior stood before them, and I've often thought of how I will respond when I get to stand before the Savior.




Will I smile and hold His hands tightly...

 Will I embrace Him and let my heart do the talking...

Will I weep with Him as He holds me and I thank Him for all He has done for me...

I love my Savior.

I can only imagine what that beautiful day will be like. I know that my Savior Jesus Christ is the only person who has the capacity to love me perfectly and to save me. I know that even though at times you may feel like a number in this crowded and busy world, He knows you by name. He loves you. I know it, and I know He loves me because I feel that tender love daily. If you are struggling to find that love, pray to recognize it, because I know it is there. I know He ministers to each of us one by one and I am forever grateful for that simple truth.


There are not enough words I can adequately say to describe my feelings on this principle but I invite you to watch this short video that shows a depiction of this account. It has become one of my most favorite videos.  And always remember there is someone a lot greater who loves you deeply, perfectly, and infinitely. I'm grateful I was reminded of that this last week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glQYsxJhv_E

To read the full account of this it is found in 3 Nephi chapters 11, 17. Or click the link below

https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/11?lang=eng