"Just be Kind to him" that was the thought. It resounded like a melody half forgotten. I knelt there wondering- could it really be that simple? Kindness. Peace was present and I drifted off into slumber. A few days later, I find myself pondering on the thought; What does kindness entail? "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness" According to Elder Worthlin: kindness is the essence of a celestial life. It is how a Christlike person treats others. He said that Kindness is the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known not only that but, Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. WOWZAH.
Josh 2:12, 2 Sam 2:6, 10:2; said David, I will shew kindness... his father shewed kindness.
1 Chronicles 19:2; and David said, I will shew kindness
Judge 8:35; shewed they kindness
Psalms 31:21, blessed be the Lord:for he hath shewed me... kindness
Ruth 3:10; my daughter for thous hast shewed more kindness...
Acts 28:2 and the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness
Why is it that Kindness is so often linked with the word shewn? Perhaps kindness can not exist as a unplanted thought? Perhaps kindness requires the nourishment of action?
Kindness is kind of a general term- I wanted to find specific examples in which kindness and characteristics of kindness had been noticed and shared- So I could apply it specifically. Lds.org is such an awesome study tool.
Examples from Elder Worthlin
- kind words of congratulation
- be there when one is sick
- Jesus healing the sick
- speak compassionately to those who are looked down upon by others
- spend time with little children.
- condemn only sin not the sinner
- notice needs
- speak cheering words
- do not be afraid to help those you do not know.
- listen to others advice
- do not be critical of others
- do not look down on those who are less perfect than you
- build others up
- do not being judgemental
Examples from President Hinckley
- avoiding racial descrimination
- reaching out in friendship to others
- avoiding bitterness and animosity
- forgiving " Come on, dear brother, since the war is past, For friends at first, are friends again at last "
- being generous with your substance
- praying for the capacity to desire to assist others
- radiating the light of the Gospel.
Examples from President Eyring
- reaching out to touch the lives of others
- Thoughts I got;
- What evidence do others have of your love for them?
- Remembering is key in feeling love, and gratitude.
- note blessings you have received
Examples from Elder Oaks
- avoid arguments
- love our neighbors
- be good listeners
- avoid saying insulting things
- avoid verbalizing that which may demean
- be kind to our family members.
Examples from Elder Johnson (of the 70)
- stand up for those who are not treated kindly
- opening up, telling stories
- share your love of others and of Christ
- pray for the gift of charity
What Have I learned?
- Firstly, I shouldn't feel compelled or obliged to agree with rude or degrading statements about others. This applies to all walks of life- from an uncomfortable zebra-furred overcoat fashion choice, to my feelings on the candidates for the upcoming presidential election. We can condemn the sin but not the sinner. Just becomes someone does something that I don't agree with, doesn't make them mean, impertinent, uneducated, or fowl.
- Secondly- I shouldn't fear doing good. Here in Provo, when one does good, sometimes it can be seen in a condescending light. "Oh they are doing that, just so they can be noticed." "Oh they wouldn't do that if someone wasn't watching" "Oh they are such a suck-up." Kind of strange how this viewpoint has surfaced, but sometimes it impedes me from doing good. Fear shouldn't impede the faithful from doing their work.
- Finally- Kindness requires action. I cannot quietly sit in my room by myself and focus on controlling my thoughts- and call it good. Nope, I gotta outside dat comfort zone, introduce myself to others and be expeditious at helping those who I am and am not close with.
Other Notes:
1. you don't need to be wealthy to be kind.
2. Paul said in his section on Charity, "and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity." Interesting how Brotherly Kindness is so closely linked to Charity, eh?
3. Measure your value in the kingdom of God by asking "How well am I doing in helping others reach their potential?"
