Charity Never Faileth

Sister Anette Dennis shared this personal detail about her family in the most recent general conference: “My youngest daughter’s life experience has included emotional health challenges from the time she was a little girl. There have been many times throughout her life when she felt like she couldn’t go on. We will be forever grateful to the earthly angels who have been there during those times: sitting with her, listening to her, crying with her, as well as sharing together unique gifts, spiritual understandings, and a mutual relationship of love. In such loving circumstances, burdens have often been lifted on both sides.” I believe her point in sharing this was to encourage us to likewise reach out in love instead of judgment to those who struggle, especially those who have emotional and mental health challenges. What we observe is rarely the full picture and, as the hymn teaches, “In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can’t see.” Those whose actions we may not understand need our love and understanding, not criticism and judgment. This reminds me of a quote from President David O. McKay that I have often reflected on throughout my life: “The greatest battle of life is fought within the silent chambers of your own soul.” We never know when others around us are deep in that silent battle, seeking for hope and peace, love and forgiveness, confidence and trust as they fight the adversary’s darkness day after day.

                Sister Dennis gave us this encouragement as we seek to love instead of judge: “Friends, let us remember that each person on this earth is a child of God and He loves each one. Are there people in your path who you have felt inclined to judge? If so, remember that these are valuable opportunities for us to practice loving as the Savior loves. As we follow His example, we can be yoked with Him and help foster a feeling of love and belonging in the hearts of all our Father’s children.” The best path forward in our own lives and in our relationships with others is and always will be to seek to feel His love for us and for them. As we struggle to find hope we can cleave to this invitation and act upon it: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ.” When we feel down on ourselves, we can pray for His love. When we feel mistreated or misunderstood, we can plead for His love. When we feel angry towards others, we can petition for His love to fill our hearts. When we feel divided from those around us, we can persist in seeking His love to unite us instead. No matter what our problems, “charity never faileth” to provide the best path forward. We can trust in this promise as we pursue each day to find His love for us and for others: “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 7:46-48).