God will never run out of blessings, so why do we cling to the blessings we have already received? There comes a point when we are struggling to retain things we can't keep, to the detriment of people who need those things right now.
Giving Cheerfully
When we give or serve grudgingly, we miss out on the enjoyment that is inherent in these activities. The faster we can overcome our initial resistance, the sooner we can experience the joy and growth that come from giving cheerfully!
Charity
Charity means recognizing things that are valuable and treating them accordingly. Jesus gave His life for us because He had charity for us: He recognized our value. We must emulate Him in that way to receive the blessings He has prepared for us.
Thinketh No Evil
People who have charity do not think evil of others. They don't dwell on others' faults but rather find joy in recognizing other people's positive attributes and actions.
To Answer for Himself
The Roman governor Festus understood that people have a right to respond to accusations. Joseph Smith promised his associates that he would not believe criticisms without hearing their side. People who have charity give others the benefit of the doubt.
Doing Good
Peter told the Roman centurion Cornelius that Jesus "went about doing good." As important as it is to avoid mistakes and to solve problems, it can be useful to simply take advantage of our many opportunities to do good.
By the Hand
Peter took the lame beggar by the hand and lifted him up as he healed him. Alma did something similar for Zeezrom. We may have opportunities to serve people from a distance, but there is really no substitute for serving other people directly.
Lovest Thou Me?
On the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus asked Peter three times, "Lovest thou me?" The Greek version of that conversation sheds some light on why Jesus repeated the same question: He was inviting Peter to love Him more, to love Him with a divine love.
The Bond of Perfectness and Peace
Charity is the bond of perfectness because it holds together all other Christlike attributes, making us more complete. It is the bond of peace because it helps us become more united. No wonder Mormon and Paul taught that all things must fail without it!
The Sheep and the Wayfaring Man
The hymn "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" elaborates on the types of service described in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. As we serve others and meet their needs, we are blessed immediately, and we become more prepared to return to God's presence.