In the scriptures, we learn of a high form of devotion, affection, and connection. In the King James version of the New Testament, the word is rendered as "charity." Unfortunately, in some other English translations, it is modernized and written as "love."
To me, this is unfortunate because English only has one word for love. The Greeks had several, requiring us to add adjectives to "love" to explain the kind of love we are illustrating.
The Greek word is ἀγάπη, pronounced ɑːˈɡɑːpeɪ.
This word describes a covenant-bound sense of enduring affection, care and concern.
A marvelous definition for this highest kind of love is given in the Book of Mormon:
"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."
Moroni 7: 47, emphasis added
The pure love of Christ. The love Christ possesses, and our love towards Christ. Christ has perfect love for us, and, if we have charity, we have love for Him.
This bilateral nature embodies a covenantal relationship.
Our Heavenly Father is pained by His lack of access to us, His children, on account of our disobedience and resulting uncleanness.
He is pleased when some of his children see others of them in need, and work to serve those needs. He delights in answering prayers for help by sending messengers to deliver that help. He can double our humble efforts to make a difference in someone else's life by enriching our own as we selflessly serve. In this way, He strengthens two when one is sent.
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Charity means seeing God's children the way He sees them and treating them the way He would treat them if He were here.
Connecting charity to seeing in this way has expanded my vision.
Seeing with the eye of charity invites us not to limit others to their outward appearance. It removes externally imposed restrictions on the worth of a soul. As we view others through the eye of charity, we see them not only as they are, but how they may become.
Seeing them this way can help us expand our awe for their mighty potential. In turn, this shapes our perceptions and interactions to be higher and holier, automatically inspiring greater reverence and wholesome concern.
I've applied this lesson to my interactions with those I have taught the Gospel. I try to see what the Savior sees in them, and subtly communicate this potential to them, by speaking in the language of faith.
Occasionally, God has given specific, penetrating insight in this regard. From time to time, for example, He may inspire you with thoughts such as, "I love this person very much. They have a pure heart. They will be a great parent someday. Help them become a great parent."
Or perhaps, "This person will be a powerful, confident preacher of the Gospel someday. Help them get there."
You might even see things very specific about a person's future. "I've prepared a place for this person to serve as a needed [Bishop, Relief Society President, etc]. See what you can do now to assist them to magnify this calling."
See others the way God sees them. He is aware of all their faults, but leave that to Him. Seek the good. Magnify the good. Encourage the development of others by investing in their future and in their positive perception of themselves, and of the world.
You might be the only person offering encouragement to someone in need. Never pass an opportunity to love and serve.
Those who have felt the touch of the Master clear away the blindness of mind that ties one down in dimmed dreariness usually want to offer this same blessing to those they see around them.
Open your mind to new ways the Lord will inspire as He takes you in His hands and uses you to bring about His work among His suffering children.
Do many things of your own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness. This requires no formal call or position. Any calls to positions of authority are far less important than your willingness and diligence in becoming like the Son of God, regardless how large your sphere of influence. (Doc. & Cov. 58: 26-28)
Your citizenship in the Kingdom of God will depend on your development of charity as an essential attribute. (Moroni 10: 21)
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure."
Moroni 7: 48
See also:
Finding Joy in the Journey, by Thomas S. Monson
Help Them Aim High, by Henry B. Eyring