President James E. Faust on the influence of love and kindness

President James E. Faust (1920-2007) was called as a Seventy in 1976, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve in 1978. He served as a counselor to President Hinckley from 1995 until his death in 2007 at age 87.

"No matter what circumstances you sisters experience, your influence can be marvelously far-reaching. I believe some of you have a tendency to underestimate your profound capacity for blessing the lives of others. More often than not, it is not on the stage with some public pronouncement but in your example of righteousness and the countless gentle acts of love and kindness done so willingly, so often on a one-to-one basis."

- James E. Faust, "You Are All Heaven Sent," General Relief Society Meeting, October 2002
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President Faust shared this message at the General Relief Society Meeting held in connection with the October 2002 General Conference. He was speaking to an audience of sisters, and addressed their specific gifts, opportunities, and challenges. But perhaps many brothers can also seek to learn from this counsel—the doctrines and principles certainly apply equally!

We all do sometimes underestimate our own ability to do good in the lives of others. As we strive to open up, reach out, and lift others, our efforts are magnified and amplified, and God's most important work can be accomplished. It is often through "gentle acts of love and kindness" that we truly bless and strengthen one another.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)