The pure love of Christ

Today ended up being a very discouraging day for me. It was a Monday to start with. It was also the Monday after a long weekend and we had just come home from a little trip. There was a lot to do but I couldn't get over the feelings of frustration I had with certain relationships in my life and I felt very powerless to change things. I felt very negative all day and it only got worse as the day went on. Tonight I was sitting alone folding laundry when President Monson's talk from Womens Conference came to my mind. I looked up his talk and read "I consider charity—or 'the pure love of Christ'—to be the opposite of criticism and judging...the charity that manifests itself when we are tolerant of others and lenient toward their actions, the kind of charity that forgives, the kind of charity that is patient. I have in mind the charity that impels us to be sympathetic, compassionate, and merciful, not only in times of sickness and affliction and distress but also in times of weakness or error on the part of others. There is a serious need for the charity that gives attention to those who are unnoticed, hope to those who are discouraged, aid to those who are afflicted. True charity is love in action. The need for charity is everywhere. Needed is the charity which refuses to find satisfaction in hearing or in repeating the reports of misfortunes that come to others, unless by so doing, the unfortunate one may be benefited. The American educator and politician Horace Mann once said, 'To pity distress is but human; to relieve it is godlike.' Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. It is resisting the impulse to become offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are..." Isn't that beautiful counsel?  I revelled in the comfort the words of our living prophet. I am so grateful for his guidance and counsel. I know that having this kind of love for others is a challenge for me but I know it is one that is worth working for. I know that is how Jesus Christ would have me feel about my fellow man and I hope to follow in his example of kindness and love.