One characteristic of a person who has charity, according to both Paul and Mormon, is that he or she “thinketh no evil” (1 Corinthians 13:5, Moroni 7:45). When President Russell M. Nelson paraphrased Paul’s and Mormon’s descriptions of charity last April, he modified that phrase slightly: “They do not think evil of others” (“Peacemakers Needed,” General Conference, April 2023, italics added).
I like that interpretation, and I think it blends well with the following phrase: “rejoiceth not in iniquity” (1 Corinthians 13:6, Moroni 7:45). Of course a person with charity will avoid thinking evil thoughts generally and will not seek for happiness in wickedness, but I think these phrases mean something more specific. When we have charity, we aren’t looking for the worst in others, and we don’t focus on their mistakes. We look for the good. We emphasize the positive. We find joy in seeing people as they really are, not as caricatures which exaggerate their worst qualities.
The Greek word logizomai (λογίζομαι), which is translated “thinketh” in this passage, means to “account” or to “impute.” In other words, to hold someone responsible for something. That’s why some translations of 1 Corinthians 13:5 say that charity “keeps no record of wrongs.” In Romans 4, Paul uses this word multiple times to emphasize that if we have faith in Jesus Christ, God will impute righteousness to us instead of sin. If God wants to give us credit for the good things we do and to wash away our mistakes, surely we should aspire to do that for one another!
Joseph Smith said, “Don’t be limited in your views with regard to your neighbor’s virtue…. You must enlarge your souls toward each other.” Then, he added, “I do not dwell upon your faults, and you shall not upon mine. Charity, which is love, covereth a multitude of sins [see 1 Peter 4:8], and I have often covered up all the faults among you” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, “Chapter 37: Charity, the Pure Love of Christ“).
As I’ve thought about the admonition to think no evil this week, I’ve been reminded of two experiences with church leaders. In both cases, a church member was either in an awkward position or suspected of wrongdoing. Without jumping to conclusions, both of these leaders went to work, trying to understand the situation and to minimize the damage. What I remember most was the pure joy on the faces of both leaders when the situation was resolved. These humble servants of God did not want to think evil of anyone. They wanted to find the good and emphasize it.
Today, I will strive to develop the attribute of charity by thinking well of others. I will strive to be aware of the good qualities and actions of the people around me and to minimize their faults and errors.