According to scripture, charity . . .
           
"is the pure love of Christ"
"suffereth long, and is kind"
"envieth not"
"is not puffed up"
"doth not behave itself unseemly"
"seeketh not her own"
"is not easily provoked"
"thinketh no evil"
"rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth." (Moroni 7:45)

Mormons believe charity is love – and not the merely romantic or friendly love, but the pure love of Christ. To have charity is to love Christ, to feel His love, and to share His love with others.  The life of Jesus Christ is an example of how we must live to have charity – to be Christ-like is to be charitable.  We must see all men and love all men as Christ sees them and loves them – as children of God. 

Charity is something that takes a lifetime to develop and maintain. But it is a belief in the Mormon religion that with the help of the Savior, each person can indeed have charity
           
How do we have charity?  How do we become Christ-like and charitable when we’re often too busy to think much of others (good or bad)?  How can we have charity for people who are cruel to us – or even indifferent to us?  What Mormons believe is charity must be prayed for.  From the outset, aid must be asked from on high.  If we come before God in sincere prayer, asking in faith to be blessed with charity, God will bless us with this righteous desire.  We will find ourselves more able to see the goodness in others and to love others despite their flaws.  For are we not flawed ourselves?  We can learn to love more as Jesus loves. 

How important is charity?  The Apostle Paul wrote, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling symbol. And thought I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that could remove mountains, and have no charity, I am nothing" (1 Corinthians 13:1-2).

Paul teaches us that charity is essential for true followers of Christ.  Faith, knowledge, spiritual gifts, eloquence . . . none of them are worth anything without the pure love of Christ.  And be it great or small, no act or good work will make one perfect in Christ, this is possible only through charity. Without charity, we are not yet converted.  For to be Christian is to love. 

Members of the Mormon Church put great importance in charity and becoming Christ-like.  The thirteenth Article of Faith, written by church founder Joseph Smith, states, "We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men.” 
Doing good to all men is charity – and service is a part of charity.  In having love for all men, one should be willing to do for them, as well, to give of oneself to make the lives of others easier.  This is part of love and this is part of charity.

In summary – pray earnestly for charity and God will help you love your fellow man (and woman).  Strive to live like Christ and you will find charity.  Strive to do good for others and you will find charity.