CHARITY (Teachings of Joseph Smith)

Charity, Longsuffering and Liberality of Feelings Towards Others — Nauvoo Relief Society Minutes (April 28, 1842)

He then commenc’d reading the 13th chapter, “Though I speak with the tongues of men” &c; and said don’t be limited in your views with regard to your neighbors’ virtues, but be limited towards your own virtues; and not think yourselves more righteous than others; you must enlarge your souls toward others if yould do like Jesus, and carry your fellow creatures to Abram’s bosom.

He said he had manifested long suffering and we must do so too— Prest. Smith then read, “Though I have the gift of prophecy” &c. He then said, though one should become mighty— do great things— overturn mountains &c and should then turn to eat and drink with the drunken; all former deeds would not save him— but he would go to destruction!

As you increase in innocence and virtue, as you increase in goodness, let your hearts expand— let them be enlarged towards others— you must be longsuff’ring and bear with the faults and errors of mankind. How precious are the souls of men!— The female part of community are apt to be contracted in their views. You must not be contracted, but you must be liberal in your feelings.

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, pp. 39-40, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Wives Are to Treat Husbands With Mildness and Affection — Nauvoo Relief Society Minutes (April 28, 1842)

Let this Society teach how to act towards husbands to treat them with mildness and affection. When a man is borne down with trouble— when he is perplex’d; if he can meet a smile, an argument— if he can meet with mildness, it will calm down his soul and soothe his feelings. When the mind is going to despair, it needs a solace. . .

When you go home never give a cross word, but let kindness, charity and love, crown your works henceforward. Don’t envy sinners— have mercy on them, God will destroy them.— Let your labors be confin’d mostly to those around you in your own circle; as far as knowledge is concerned, it may extend to all the world, but your administrations, should be confin’d to the circle of your immediate acquaintance, and more especially to the members of the Society.

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, p. 40, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Rich Cannot Be Saved Without Charity — Willard Richards (May 1, 1842)

. . . preached in the grove on the keys of the kingdom charity &c.— The keys are certain signs & words by which false spirits & personages may be detected from true.— which cannot be revealed to the Elders till the Temple is completed.— The rich can only get them in the Temple. The poor may get them on the Mountain top as did moses. The rich cannot be saved without chaity. giving to feed the poor. when & how God requires as well as building. There are signs in heaven earth & hell. the elders must know them all to be endued with power. to finish their work & prevent imposition. The devil knows many signs. but does not know the sign of the son of man. or Jesus. No one can truly say he knows God until he has handled something. & these this can only be in the holiest of Holies.

Journal, December 1841–December 1842, p. 94, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Rich Men Are to Feed the Poor — Willard Richards (October 15, 1843)

wo to ye rich men. give to the poor. & then come and ask me for bread. away with all your meanness & be liberal wee need purging.

Discourse, 15 October 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards, p. 134, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Charity Towards Those Who Steal — Willard Richards (October 15, 1843)

I never stole the value of a pins head or a picayune in my life. & when you are hungry dont steal.— come to me & I will feed you.—

Discourse, 15 October 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards, p. 134, The Joseph Smith Papers.