He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. (John 13:4-5)
This humble act the Savior performed is one of many charitable acts he glorified his father with while in his ministry. Charity can be well described as an acronym:
C-Christ Like Love
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)
But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever…….(Moroni 7:47)
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (John 14:34)
President Howard W. Hunter taught: “We need to be kinder with one another, more gentle and more forgiving. We need to be slower to anger and more prompt to help. We need to extend the hand of friendship and resist the hand of retribution [revenge]. In short, we need to love one another with the pure love of Christ, with genuine charity and compassion and, if necessary, shared suffering, for that is the way God loves us” (“Come to the God of All Truth,” Ensign,Sept. 1994, 72).
H-Humility
Jesus taught, “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4)
When the disciples were discussing who was the greatest Christ said this (Matthew 23:11) “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”
Howard W. Hunter taught (Pharisee and the Republican Ensign May 1984) “Our genuine concern should be for the success of others.”
This is truly what Christ was teaching when he said, “Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” Luke 17:33
A-ACT
It is vital that we live prepared to be charitable. Charity comes in all forms temporal and spiritual. We must always be ready when the opportunity arrives.
Elder Robert D. Hales Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated, “Our ultimate goal is to become like the Savior, and that goal is enhanced by our unselfish service to others.
Our ability to serve is increased or diminished by the level of our self-reliance.” (A Gospel Vision of Welfare: Faith in Action Basic Principles of Welfare and Self-Reliance, (2009), 1–3)
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts…..(1 Corinthians 14:1)
Elder M. Russell Ballard said,” There is one simple daily practice that can make a difference for every member of the Church….That simple practice is: In your morning prayer each new day ask Heavenly Father to guide you to recognize an opportunity to serve one of his precious children. (Be Anxiously Engaged Nov. 2012)
Elder W. Christopher Waddell taught,” We may see needs around us but feel inadequate to respond, assuming that what we have to offer is not sufficient. As we seek to become even as He is and as we see needs in our fellow travelers through spiritual eyes, we must trust that the Lord can work through us, and then we must act.” (Pure Religion 04-2015)
Sister Linda K. Burton Relief Society General President instructed us to First Observe, Then Serve.
This is what the Good Samaritan did while traveling down a dangerous road he took no concern for himself; he observed someone in need and then served. Upon the completion of this parable Jesus said. “Go and do thou likewise” (Luke 10:37)
R-Redemption, Rescue, Relief
Elder D. Todd Christofferson stated, “Among the most significant of Jesus Christ’s descriptive titles is Redeemer…..Redeem can also mean to rescue or set free as by paying a ransom……. While the most important aspects of redemption have to do with repentance and forgiveness, there is a very significant temporal aspect as well. Jesus is said to have gone about doing good (see Acts 10:38), which included healing the sick and infirm, supplying food to hungry multitudes, and teaching a more excellent way. “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). So may we, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, go about doing good in the redemptive pattern of the Master.
This kind of redemptive work means helping people with their problems. It means befriending the poor and the weak, alleviating suffering, righting wrongs, defending truth, strengthening the rising generation, and achieving security and happiness at home. Much of our redemptive work on earth is to help others grow and achieve their just hopes and aspirations.”
I-Individual
Elder L. Tom Perry said, “Be an example of Christlike service and help others return to their Christian faith by encouraging them to serve others.” (Helping others Find Faith in Christ Dec. 2014)
..therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. (Romans 14:19)
Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification (Romans 15:2)
President Thomas S. Monson quoted Dale Carnegie saying, “Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime.” (Love-the Essence of the Gospel May 2014)
T-True to the Faith
Paul Teaches us the importance and truth of Charity as a gospel principle:
“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2)
The 13th Article of Faith states, “…in doing good to all men…”
A second testament to this can be found in James 1:27, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. “
Y- You become a Disciple of Christ
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35)
In primary we teach the song Love One Another, Young Women acquire the Value of Good Works as do our Young Men.. Priesthood brethren who exercise their authority and are worthy holders bless us daily. Sisters in Relief Society press forward Joyfully acting and testifying of their motto Charity Never Faileth. I thank each of you for the individual role you play in charitable acts in your extended family, callings, communities and especially in your homes. They indeed have a ripple effect that in this small world affects my loved ones as well. Charity is an act that allows us the great privilege to be instruments in his hands and allows us to feel his love for his children and become closer to him as we strive to have unfailing compassion, patience and mercy. May we pray for ourselves and those around us the prayer Paul sent to perfect the saints in Thessalonians 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another. I know it is true as it says in Acts 20:35,” More blessed to give than to receive.” How much JOY the Savior must have had after he was glorified that he had helped his Heavenly Father provide all his brothers and Sisters a way home.
After Christ washed the Disciples feet he then taught, “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” (John 13:14-17)
The hymn I hold in my heart is,” Because I have been given much I too Must give.” The more I understand and accept my Heavenly Fathers unconditional love the more I desire to be his disciple. I know he Loves us and provided this commandment of Charity to Increase our Joy.
Far West Ward Conference
Extended Ward Council
April 10, 2016
This talk was written and due to illness never given…..
Be Still & Do 