The Essence of a Celestial Life

 

To my son, 

                In stake conference today our stake president spoke to us about kindness. He quoted Elder Wirthlin’s famous talk on kindness in which he said this: “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 at work, at school, at church, and especially in our homes.” Today I want to encourage you to strive hard to always be kind to those around you. The Savior said it this way: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12). In other words, you should treat others like you want them to treat you. In one sense it is very easy to know how to treat others because we instinctively know how we want others to treat us. Use that understanding to guide you in how you act towards others. You can speak kind words to others like you want them to speak to you. You can share toys and treats with others like you want them to share with you. And you give up something you want so that someone else can have it instead. This is not always easy to do, but I know that you will feel the Savior’s love inside you as you do, which is far better than the thing you might have given up.

                Your young life was blessed by a woman who showed great kindness to our family shortly after you were born. A sister in our ward would take you and watch you when you were just an infant so that Mom could work to prepare our family for moving. We moved when you were not even three months old, and this sister provided a great service during that stressful time as we were trying to care for the children and prepare to move across the country. You of course don’t remember this, but Mom is still blessed by her friendship with this dear sister and we are eternally grateful for her kindness she showed us in this instance and many others. And you are always excited when this sister’s granddaughter who happens to now live near us—and who is also loved for her kindness—comes and babysits you! I love the encouragement that Paul gave to each of us: “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering” (Colossians 3:12). Have you ever thought of “putting on” kindness? Just as you put on clothes in the morning or putting on your shoes for school, you should remember to “put on” kindness that day, to prepare yourself to speak kindly and show love to all around you. Of course, the Savior was the perfect example of kindness as “He went about doing good” and “walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead” (Acts 10:38). Try to remember Him each day as you interact with others and remember that He always showed patience and love, kindness and respect to all those around Him, even His enemies. I know that He loves you and will help you become even as He is!

Love,

Dad