Charity—a Sign of True Discipleship
Michael B. Strong, of the Seventy
Elder Strong counsels that true discipleship of Jesus Christ is demonstrated through charity and love in action.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Topics
Make Discipleship a Priority
Elder Strong emphasizes that discipleship is a deliberate and continuous commitment. It involves more than just belief; it requires a transformation to emulate Jesus Christ in thoughts and actions.
President Russell M. Nelson recently invited us to "make our discipleship our highest priority."
Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice. It is a continuous commitment and way of life that should guide us at all times and in all places.Key Points:
- Discipleship is an intentional journey to become like Jesus Christ.
- Emulation of Christ is central to true worship.
- Discipleship requires daily imitation of Christ's attributes.
- Reflect on a time when you prioritized discipleship in your daily decisions.
- Share an experience where you felt transformed by following Christ's example.
- Discuss how you incorporate Christlike attributes into your life.
Charity as the Mark of Discipleship
Charity, or the pure love of Christ, is the defining attribute of true discipleship. It encompasses all other divine attributes and is recognized by actions of love towards others.
Without charity, "[we] are nothing."
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.Key Points:
- Charity is the essence of discipleship.
- True disciples are recognized by their love for one another.
- Charity leads to action, as demonstrated by Christ.
- Recall a time when you witnessed charity in action.
- Share a personal story of when you felt the pure love of Christ.
- Describe how you strive to show charity in your daily interactions.
Show Compassion Like Christ
Elder Strong illustrates that compassion is a vital expression of charity. Through compassion, we seek to alleviate the suffering of others, following the Savior's example.
Behold, my bowels are filled with compassion towards you.
One of the easiest ways to identify a true follower of Jesus Christ is how compassionately that person treats other people.Key Points:
- Compassion is a key aspect of charity.
- Christ's compassion led Him to heal and bless others.
- Compassionate acts are signs of discipleship.
- Share a time when you felt compassion for someone in need.
- Discuss an instance where you received compassion from others.
- Reflect on how you can incorporate more compassion in your life.
Minister to Unspoken Needs
The Savior's love is often shown by recognizing and addressing the unspoken needs of others. True discipleship involves being attentive and responsive to these needs.
The Lord made him whole and encouraged him to live righteously.
These disciples had noticed the unspoken need and acted in love—a prominent sign of their discipleship.Key Points:
- Ministering involves recognizing unspoken needs.
- Christ provided both physical and spiritual healing.
- Attentive service is a hallmark of charity.
- Describe a situation where you noticed an unspoken need and acted on it.
- Reflect on how you can be more attentive to the needs of those around you.
- Share an experience where someone ministered to your unspoken needs.
Help Others on the Covenant Path
Charity involves helping others progress on their covenant path. It is about uplifting and encouraging others to reach their divine potential.
Helping others along their covenant path may take the form of an unconventional act of service.
The joy we felt ministering to the one is a joy beyond compare!Key Points:
- Charity involves helping others fulfill their divine potential.
- Service can take many forms and often requires creativity.
- Helping others on their spiritual journey is a profound expression of love.
- Recall a time when you helped someone progress on their spiritual path.
- Discuss how you can support others in their covenant journey.
- Share an experience of receiving help on your spiritual path.
