Kindness

A kind deed often leaves a deep impression. Kindness is shown by our words and our actions. A kind person will help others even when doing so might be uncomfortable or difficult. A man named James Talmage was an incredible example of kindness when he helped a family stricken with diphtheria.

When he arrived, James found one toddler already dead and two others who were in agony from the disease. He immediately went to work, cleaning the untidy house, preparing the young body for burial, cleaning and providing for the other sick children, spending the entire day doing so. He came back the next morning to find that one more of the children had died during the night. A third child was still suffering terribly. He wrote in his journal: “She clung to my neck, ofttimes coughing [germs] on my face and clothing, … yet I could not put her from me. During the half hour immediately preceding her death, I walked the floor with the little creature in my arms. She died in agony at 10 a.m.” The three children had all departed within the space of 24 hours. He then assisted the family with the burial arrangements and spoke at their graveside services. This he did all for a family of strangers. (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Virtue of Kindness,” Liahona, May 2005, 26–28)

We may not get opportunities to perform large services like James Talmage did, but there are things we can do to show kindness to those around us. Even small acts of kindness may leave a lasting influence on those you help. Make the world a better place. Find something this week that you can do to show kindness to someone around you.