Ponderize: Charity and Virtue - D&C 121:45

In D&C 121, we read these inspired words penned by the Prophet, Joseph Smith:

45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.
 46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion...

I chose to memorize this passage because of the strength it gives me in multiple important areas.

Charity
First and foremost we must have charity, which is a gift from God, and one that we must diligently seek to obtain (see Moroni 7:44-48). This verse reminds me to seek for charity, to look at all of God's children from a viewpoint of love, and if possible to see them as He does.

Virtue
To be virtuous is to do the right thing when no one is looking, and this can be no truer than in our own thoughts. Only God knows our thoughts, so having virtuous thoughts becomes one of the true tests of life. The goal is to have pure, virtuous, positive thoughts unceasingly, which seems an impossible task but one for which this verse strengthens me.

Confidence
There is a real power that comes into our lives when we know that God is pleased with our efforts. The peace that comes from knowing our lives are in alignment with God's will is inexplicable and something all people seek. This verse teaches how we can achieve this. I've experienced this at times in my life, and this verse helps me focus on areas of my life that can help me have this confidence and peace more frequently.

Priesthood
How beautiful and poetic is this phrase: "and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy souls as the dews from heaven." This is another benefit of living with charity and virtue - an understanding of the Priesthood. I don't think I've arrived in this regard as there is so much more for me to know and learn, but as this verse suggests, it is a gradual process that takes time. This understanding "distils" upon our souls. For those who may not think this promise is a big deal, realize that the Priesthood is God's power through which the earth, the universe and even all of the workmanship of God's hands were created.

Holy Ghost
The companionship of the Holy Ghost is another powerful and very real blessing that can be ours if we can live with charity and virtue. His guidance can help us in all aspects of our lives, not just the spiritual, as He opens our minds and increases our ability to learn and remember. The Holy Ghost brings us comfort and peace. He can "show [us] all things what [we] should do." (2 Ne 32:5).

As Elder Richard G Scott suggested a few years ago, this passage of scripture has become a dear friend. It is one that I can recall at any time to refocus on what really matters.