Kindness, Charity, and Love
Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church
President Monson counsels priesthood holders to emulate Christ through kindness, charity, and love.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What are the key characteristics of the Savior that President Monson emphasizes?
- How does President Monson define charity?
- Why is kindness considered essential for honoring the priesthood?
- What scriptural references does President Monson use to support his message?
- How can we apply the principles of kindness, charity, and love in our daily lives?
Topics
Emulate the Savior’s Charity
President Monson emphasizes the importance of charity, as outlined by the prophet Mormon. He explains that charity is the pure love of Christ and that it is essential for anyone who wishes to be a true disciple of Jesus.
“And if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity.”
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—”
“But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.”
- What does it mean to have charity?
- Why is charity considered the pure love of Christ?
- What are the consequences of not having charity?
- How can you develop more charity in your daily interactions?
- Can you think of a situation where showing charity made a difference?
- What steps can you take to ensure you are "possessed of charity" at the last day?
Practice Kindness in All Aspects of Life
President Monson highlights the importance of kindness by quoting Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin. He explains that kindness should be present in all our words and actions, and it is a key characteristic of a Christlike person.
“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.”
“Jesus, our Savior, was the epitome of kindness and compassion.”
- Why is kindness considered the essence of a celestial life?
- How did Jesus exemplify kindness and compassion?
- In what ways can kindness impact our interactions at work, school, church, and home?
- Reflect on a recent experience where you showed kindness. How did it affect you and others involved?
- What are some specific ways you can incorporate more kindness into your daily routine?
- How can you teach and encourage kindness within your family or community?
Honor the Priesthood Through Kindness
President Monson underscores that honoring the priesthood involves being kind to others. He teaches that the righteous exercise of the priesthood requires living the principles of kindness, charity, and love.
“Brethren, we do not honor the priesthood of God if we are not kind to others.”
“The scriptures teach us that the righteous exercise of the priesthood is dependent upon our living the principles of kindness, charity, and love.”
- How is kindness related to honoring the priesthood?
- What principles are necessary for the righteous exercise of the priesthood?
- Why is it important to be kind to others in the context of priesthood responsibilities?
- How can you better honor the priesthood through acts of kindness?
- Think of a time when someone showed you kindness. How did it affect your view of the priesthood?
- What are some ways you can encourage others in your priesthood quorum to practice kindness?
Follow the Savior’s Example
President Monson invites us to follow the Savior’s example by being kind, loving, and charitable. He explains that doing so will help us draw down the powers of heaven for ourselves and our loved ones.
“Let us examine our lives and determine to follow the Savior’s example by being kind, loving, and charitable.”
“As we do so, we will be in a better position to call down the powers of heaven for ourselves, for our families, and for our fellow travelers in this sometimes difficult journey back to our heavenly home.”
- What does it mean to follow the Savior’s example?
- How can being kind, loving, and charitable help us draw down the powers of heaven?
- Why is it important to examine our lives in the context of these attributes?
- How can you more closely follow the Savior’s example in your daily life?
- Reflect on a time when you felt the powers of heaven in your life. How were kindness, love, and charity involved?
- What changes can you make to ensure you are living in a way that allows you to draw down the powers of heaven?
Live the Principles of Kindness, Charity, and Love
President Monson concludes by urging us to live the principles of kindness, charity, and love. He promises that as we do so, we will be better prepared to navigate the challenges of life and help others on their journey back to our heavenly home.
“Brethren, let us examine our lives and determine to follow the Savior’s example by being kind, loving, and charitable.”
“As we do so, we will be in a better position to call down the powers of heaven for ourselves, for our families, and for our fellow travelers in this sometimes difficult journey back to our heavenly home.”
- Why is it important to live the principles of kindness, charity, and love?
- How can these principles help us navigate the challenges of life?
- In what ways can living these principles help others on their journey back to our heavenly home?
- What steps can you take to incorporate more kindness, charity, and love into your interactions?
- Think of a time when living these principles helped you overcome a challenge. How did it impact you?
- How can you support others in living these principles and help them on their journey back to our heavenly home?
