These passages at the end of Mormon’s masterful sermon elevate faith, hope, and charity to a place of sublime importance in our lives. These three great principles are transcendent in power and righteousness. They are integrally connected and operate together—though charity is the ultimate and greatest of all (see 1 Corinthians 13:13). Nevertheless, it all begins with faith. To have an increase in our faith we are to be meek and lowly (see Moroni 7:43). Being meek and lowly suggests that we are devoid of pride, truly understanding our dependence upon God and our own nothingness (see Mosiah 4:5, 11; Helaman12:7; Moses 1:10). Remember that humility is a virtue that opens up the pathway to spiritual growth and acceptance before God. It encourages us to be easily entreated (see Alma 7:23), submissive (see Mosiah 3:19), willing to demonstrate thankfulness and gratitude (see 1 Nephi 16:32), desirous to pray (see Mosiah 4:11; 29:20), and anxious to begin the process of repentance (see Alma 13:13). As we humble ourselves before God, He will make us strong.
Let us therefore fast and pray that we may be strong in humility (see Helaman 3:35). To qualify to assist in the work of the Lord, we are to be humble and temperate, having faith, hope, and charity (see D&C 12:8). It is faith, hope, and charity that bring one to the Lord (see Ether 12:28). Remember that we can do nothing save we exercise our faith and are full of hope and charity (see D&C 18:19). Being filled with charity becomes our quest—which causes us to become like Christ and take on His divine nature (see Moroni 7:48; 2 Peter 1:3–8). The process of becoming full of charity requires us in all humility and diligence to seek faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, and godliness (see D&C 4:6; 2 Peter 1:5–7). And in addition, we must pray with all the energy of our heart that Heavenly Father will bestow charity upon us as true followers of His Beloved Son (see Moroni 7:48). Being equivalent to the pure love of Christ, charity has within it multiple facets and expressions (see D&C 4:6; Moroni 7:45). Peter spoke of great promises for those who take upon themselves the divine nature of Christ, including the divine quality of charity:
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. (2 Peter 1:8–10)
When we possess charity, we will never fall or fail, for we will be like the Lord (see Moroni 7:46–48). This sublime triumvirate of faith, hope, and charity empowers us to assist in the great work of building up the kingdom of God (see D&C 12:8). What will we do to increase in faith, have a heart infused with everlasting hope, and be filled with the pure love of Christ?