Why Charity Matters (Especially When It’s Hard)

Charity isn’t just a good trait to have—it’s the trait that shapes how we see, treat, and love one another. President Russell M. Nelson calls it the antidote to contention, and in a world so quick to divide, that alone makes it priceless. But he goes deeper: charity helps us cast off the natural man—the part of us that’s selfish, defensive, prideful, or jealous. In other words, it transforms us.

I’ll be honest—this is something I really struggle with. I often give in to the impulse to be easily offended or triggered, especially by those whose views feel combative or extreme. It’s easy to justify pulling away or writing people off. But charity asks something harder. It asks me to see beyond my first reaction, beyond someone’s opinions or flaws, and remember their humanity.

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13 describe charity as patient, kind, not proud, not easily provoked—and above all, unfailing. That kind of love isn’t performative—it’s enduring. It doesn’t mean we stop caring about truth or boundaries, but it does mean we stop letting offense be our first instinct.

Joseph Smith said we should enlarge our souls toward others. He urged us to bear with the faults and errors of humanity. That feels relevant every day—because charity isn't about perfection. It's about expanding, softening, and growing even when it would be easier to shrink back.

Sister Silvia Allred once taught that the motto “Charity never faileth” became the heart of Relief Society for a reason. It reflected the Savior’s own way of being—how He ministered to everyone, regardless of status, reputation, or background. He healed and taught and forgave, and He suffered for all of us—not just the easiest ones to love.

President Thomas S. Monson once said that charity is accepting people as they truly are. That includes their weaknesses, their past, their opinions, and their rough edges. It's resisting the impulse to categorize or condemn. It’s the hard and holy work of seeing people the way Christ sees them.

Charity matters because without it, all our actions—even good ones—ring hollow. With it, we become more like Him.