Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on living with kindness

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917-2008) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1986, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from 1986 until his passing in 2008 at age 91.

"Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes.

"Kind words not only lift our spirits in the moment they are given, but they can linger with us over the years....

"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."

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The Virtue of Kindness," General Conference April 2005
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Kindness is perhaps not only the "essence of greatness" but the essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which teaches the fundamental priority of loving one another, serving one another, bearing one another's burdens, etc.

I like the description "Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends." Just as "A soft answer turneth away wrath" (Prov. 15:1) a proper attitude of kindness can work wonders in many interpersonal situations.

When Elder Wirthlin suggests that "lift our spirits in the moment they are given, but they can linger with us over the years"—I believe that impact applies not only to the receiver but to the giver of the words. Being kind influences those around us but also blesses our very natures.

And this is a wonderful summary.  Kindess is simply being Christlike, and is a quality we should all strive to increase in our lives and interactions.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)