Moroni 7

It doesn't get much better than this. Faith, hope, charity, miracles, angels.....pretty good stuff here.

We are given the way to judge whether something is good or bad. Does it invite and entice us to do good? To love God and serve Him? If not, it's of the devil.

I guess this means no more Rock of Love, eh?

Also, we learn that miracles have not ceased -- nor will they cease, as long as men on earth are exercising enough faith. Angels come to those who show themselves of stong faith. But the very next verse says that the office of angels is to declare repentance and declare the word of God.

So even those of strong faith, who exercise it to the point of angels appearing, may still need to repent. If they need to repent, these extremely faithful saints, then surely *I* need to repent, as well.

Later on, we are told to pray to be filled with charity -- that when Christ comes, we shall be like Him. That we can see His image in our countenances.

I just want to include one of my favorite quotes. It's from Elder Marvin J. Ashton.

"We often equate charity with visiting the sick, taking in casseroles to those in need, or sharing our excess with those who are less fortunate. But really, true charity is much, much more.

"Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again...

"Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other."

I love this definition of charity. It makes me look at my own thoughts -- not just my actions. Because it's easy to smile at the person who's child has just thrown a drink at you and say, "Oh, that's okay," but to really think, I can't believe this. Doesn't she have any control over him? This is my favorite shirt.....etc.

But we must first guard our thoughts, if we're going to have any hope of guarding our words and actions.