kind-ness (kahynd-nis)

Something that has been on my mind very frequently recently (and something that I have learned over the years and held very close to my heart) is the Power of Kindness.

I've learned that impatience, selfishness, and indifference towards others gets one nowhere.

I've learned that sympathy, goodness, and grace can work miracles.

In a special General Conference talk given by Joseph B. Wirthlin, he testifies:

"Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known. Kindness is a passport that 

opens doors

and

fashions friends.

It

softens hearts

and

molds relationships

that can

last lifetimes."

"Kindness is the 

essence of a celestial life. 

Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others. 

Kindness should permeate all of our words and actions..."

"The 

things you say,

the

tone of your voice,

the

anger or calm of your words -

these things are noticed..."

And I know these things are noticed, even if we may not feel noticed. Others know when you truly care and when you don't. We have a divine ability to feel this. There's something so miraculous and Christlike about a stranger who cares. One of the greatest compliments I received recently was from a complete stranger who quickly became a friend for a few short minutes. 

She said, 'You really care, don't you? I can just tell. I don't know what it is, but I can tell you are genuinely happy because of it.'

 A stranger who notices why Heavenly Father created

you.

 "Nothing exposes our true selves more than how we treat one another..."

"One way you can measure your value in the kingdom of God is to ask, 

'How well am I doing in helping others reach their potential?"

Not necessarily, How well am I doing at reaching my own potential?

As we focus our love outward, it is inevitable that we will reach the potential that God has designed us for. Our potential is divine, but one we cannot reach if we are lacking gentleness and meekness - a character of being humbly patient. 

Being humbly patient is certainly not something that is always easy, especially when we are approached by another's unkindness. But we are to frankly forgive. By this, I mean noticeably, sincerely, generously offer kindness when unkindness may be shown towards you.

"Why? 

In the scriptures Jude taught, 

'And of some have compassion,

making a difference.'

Who can tell what far-reaching impact we can have if we are only kind?"

"Our work here is but a 

shadow of greater and unimaginable things to come."

We're getting there!

To read Elder Wirthlin's entire talk (or watch) click here. Completely worth it.