“…words we use can lift and inspire, or they can harm and demean. In the world today there is a profusion of profanity with which we seem to be surrounded at nearly every turn. It is difficult to avoid hearing the names of Deity being used casually and thoughtlessly. Coarse comments seem to have become a staple of television, movies, books, and music. Bandied about are slanderous remarks and angry rhetoric. Let us speak to others with love and respect, ever keeping our language clean and avoiding words or comments that would wound or offend. May we follow the example of the Savior, who spoke with tolerance and kindness throughout His ministry.
The next attribute mentioned by Paul is charity, which has been defined as “the pure love of Christ.” I am confident there are within our sphere of influence those who are lonely, those who are ill, and those who feel discouraged. Ours is the opportunity to help them and to lift their spirits. The Savior brought hope to the hopeless and strength to the weak. He healed the sick; He caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even raised the dead to life. Throughout His ministry He reached out in charity to any in need. As we emulate His example, we will bless lives, including our own.
Next, we are to be an example in spirit. To me that means we strive to have in our lives kindness gratitude, forgiveness, and goodwill. These qualities will provide for us a spirit which will touch the lives of those around us. It has been my opportunity through the years to associate with countless individuals who possess such a spirit. We experience a special feeling when we are with them, a feeling that makes us want to associate with them and to follow their example. They radiate the Light of Christ and help us feel His love for us.”~President Thomas S. Monson, Be an Example and a Light, October 4, 2015
I treasure these reminders, goals if you will, from a living Prophet, as much a Prophet as those of the Bible. Then and now much of what they say is not new, but said in a way to create greater personal resolve and purpose. People of any age need to be reminded of what is really important. Often what he says provides fresh insight, new resolution to any mind vulnerable to God’s will. New and renewed ideas expand personal vision and facilitate deeper commitment to embrace anew God’s will and purposes. The world is on an increasingly difficult course for all, especially believers. I take comfort to know God is at the helm and puts all in place so that we need not fear. Our part is to ‘keep the faith’ that draws us closer to Him by following the counsel given for our particular troubles times. kdm
