Moroni 7:47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.
Few scriptures provide doctrinal definitions so plainly; and yet, there are three distinct conclusions that may arise from this verse on the definition of charity. Considering the verse in Spanish and Mandarin, the ambiguity remains (as best I’m able to ascertain). However, I choose to see this not as a failure but rather a triumph of language: there are three meanings wrapped into this simple statement. The beautiful ambiguity lies in the word “of”: with respect to charity, we may read this verse as referring to love like Christ, love from Christ, or love for Christ. Each of these ideas is worthy of examination, and none are exclusive of the others.
Love Like Christ
The easiest reading, which takes the least doctrinal or philosophical risks and demands the vaguest commitment, is Charity as love like Christ. I suppose this is the most widely understood reading for love and charity, equally applicable to every human on the planet and carrying with it the invitation to become more Christlike. The onus then falls upon the disciple to determine what like Christ means. This reading invokes verses like the Savior’s ultimate injunction to His disciples:
3 Nephi 12:48 Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.
The vagueness of this reading is that it does nothing to extricate the reader from the plurality of concepts of love and, particularly, of Christ’s love, which roam chaotically in the religious world today, and even within the same world. This reading cannot go wrong inasmuch as it essentially says what so many other scriptures say–that we must become Christlike.
Love From Christ
The interesting thing about this reading of Mormon’s words is that it only has meaning if one understands and embraces the doctrine of conditional love. After all–does not God love everyone? Did not Christ make His atonement for all? How, then, can Charity–which me must strive toward–be love from Christ, if we already always have that?
I don’t believe this is a trivial or distracting reading, though. Elder Nelson’s talk on the conditional nature of divine love is a powerful consideration of the actions we can take which better enable us to be conduits of God’s love and recipients of divine favor. He highlights verses such as
These verses help us understand clearly the ways in which we can grow in love and, therefore, Charity. With this reading we can gain a plain plan of action for progress in this divine quality.
Love For Christ
The third and final reading I would point out is that of love for Christ. Compared to love like Christ, this might seem far more limited in scope because it is so specific. However, this added focus lends depth and power to this reading: yes, it is a specific individual who we must love.