I knew a man caught up into the third heaven, whether in the body or out of the body I know not.

He knelt at his Lord’s feet.

After much time spent in worship, gratitude, praise, and admiration his Lord reached down and lifted the man’s head so that the man could behold his face and look into his eyes.

“I would give you a gift”, said his Lord, “Ask what I shall give thee.”

The man thought of many possible gifts. Titles, leadership, and fame. Wealth, comfort, and power. Friends, family, and posterity. Lands, resources, and dominion. Knowledge, wisdom, and influence.

After a long period of thought the man answered, “Charity, my Lord. I would that you grant your servant charity.”

His Lord smiled.

The smile was so large and unexpected that it took the man by surprise.

 Then his Lord spoke, “My son, you have chosen better than Solomon.”

These lectures are written with one purpose, to bring souls to Christ. In order to do this, one must obtain charity, for we cannot come to Christ if we are not willing to become like Christ. And it is impossible to become like Christ without obtaining his pure love.

The author draws heavily from the scriptures in presenting what charity is, the objects and virtues upon which charity rests, how charity is obtained, and the effects we see flow from one who has obtained charity. These lectures are written to all audiences and the author hopes that the use of latter-day scripture does not put off readers who are traditional Christians or those from other religions. The author sees no conflict in the doctrine and gospel of Christ as presented in the Bible, Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, or the Pearl of Great Price and uses these scriptures liberally; as in many cases they show, both by word and example, how one obtains charity and comes to Christ.

Any errors in these lectures come not from the holy writ, but from the author’s commentary and for this an apology is given in advance.

The author has also unashamedly drawn the name of these writings, the Lectures on Charity, from the Prophet Joseph Smith’s own Lectures on Faith which were written for the original School of the Prophets in 1832 and which were included in all editions of the Doctrine and Covenants from 1835 until the 1920s. Therefore no apology is given for the titling of these writings.

We are so divided as a people. We divide into races, sexes, ages, sexual preferences, tribes, nations, and religions. Truly the love of many has waxed cold. It is the author’s sincere hope that this document will help unite all who read it as they press forward with perfect brightness of hope towards the goal of coming unto Christ.

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:1-2