Charity

I remember a missionary district meeting a long time ago in a land far far away (Hong Kong) in which we were discussing charity.  I remember an elder sharing a quote on charity.  I didn't remember who the quote was by, but I know that I loved the quote.  The only part I really remembered was that charity is expecting the best of each other. 

Well, I found the quote:

“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.”
― Marvin J. Ashton

I would have to say that this is probably my favorite quote on charity.  Right now, it is exactly what I need to hear and work on in my own life.  My mother always taught me to give everyone the benefit of the doubt.  My best friend's mother taught her that if you are easily offended you do not have the spirit with you.  Life long lessons to hear and put into practice.   I am so grateful I was lead to this quote.  I hope that someday, in hard situations, charity might come easily and naturally for me. 

Practice, practice, practice...