The Most-Important Scripture is 1 Corinthians 13

   The most important scripture in all of the holy writ (tongue in cheek) is 1 Corinthians 13. It pretty much tells you right there in that passage that it is the most important.

   It is says, Though I do this and though I do that, and though I prophecy and move mountains, and understand all the deep mysteries of the gospel, I am nothing if I have not charity. I am being a little tongue-in-cheek here. Still, all those other scriptures telling you what to do do not mean a thing if you have not charity.

   Now, I must say, if charity is so important, you might ought to take this moment to consider all over and as if for the first time just exactly what charity is. Is it giving to the poor? Is it giving to United Way? Is it donating your car to Kidney Kars? Not that those things are not charity, but the charity referred to in 1 Corinthians is just pure love without judgement. That's my assessment.

   Indeed, verse 3 says, "Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor . . . and have not charity, it profit me nothing."

   At this point, it would be nice to turn to an old (1992) talk from the conferences of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, given by Elder Marvin J. Ashton. Wonderful talk. 

   "Charity is, perhaps, in many ways a misunderstood word, Elder Ashton said. "We often equate charity with visiting the sick, taking in casseroles to those in need, or sharing our excess with those who are less fortunate. But really, true charity is much, much more. . . .

   "Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us."

   There then, is charity. There then, is love. It is loving without judgement. It is loving unconditionally. It is important for us to be charitable in our views and assessments of others. Indeed, it is the most important thing of all.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1992/04/the-tongue-can-be-a-sharp-sword?lang=eng#watch=video