To begin, we can view the video I sent last week:
D & C Encyclopedia, Hoyt Brewster
Brotherly Kindness
Those engaged in Christ's ministry must develop the quality of "brotherly kindness" if they are to succeed (D&C 4:6; 107:30). This trait is specifically mentioned in only one other place in scripture (2 Pet. 1:7), although the term brotherly love could be considered a synonym (Rom. 12:10; 1 Thess. 4:9; Heb. 13:1).
To be brotherly is to experience a warmth of feeling for another that transcends mere fraternal relationship. It is a genuine, sincere interest in another. Kindliness denotes benevolence, compassion, sympathetic forbearance, graciousness, and humaneness toward another. When one combines brotherly kindness into one term and cultivates the qualities symbolic of its meaning, a true saint in the household of God emerges (Eph. 2:19).
Since we have been given the knowledge and understanding of the eternal Plan of Happiness, it should be relatively easy to love everyone we associate with and demonstrate it with our words and deeds.
Since we're finishing another football season, I thought it appropriate to hear from Tommy Holmoe, former Cougar and present BYU Athletic Director: http://web.mac.com/gemcquain/iWeb/Site/09-Brotherly%20Kindness.html
4 comments:
Grandpa,
I love this quote, "To be brotherly is to experience a warmth of feeling for another that transcends mere fraternal relationship. It is a genuine, sincere interest in another". There is defiantly a difference in brotherly kindness and being kind, and I think we can tell the difference. Grandpa, you have always been a great example to me of this trait! You have taught me that this life is about building relationships with people despite differences in beliefs, qualities, or even standards. I think you do this by really having a sincere concern for individuals. I think a key ingredient to successful relationships is brotherly kindness. I also believe that his trait is not only important in the relationships we have with other individuals around us here in mortality but also the relationship we have with our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ. Christ is our brother and I like to think that this trait was named after Him. To possess brotherly kindness I believe is to possess “Christ-like kindness”. I know the kindness He would show to us, and does show to us, would be much more than superficial niceness. Love you Grandpa.
First, let me say that your Character Traits Website looks great! Did you just create this the same time you started this blog? Really I am so excited to look at it and have "one-touch" way to keep up with your character traits.
Anyway, Tom Holmoe's talk was really good. I especially loved the Holland quote he used:
"As surely as the rescue of those in need was the general conference theme of October 1856, so too is it the theme of this conference and last conference and the one to come next spring. . . . The needy . . . can be rescued only by those who have more and know more and can help more. And don’t worry about asking, “Where are they?” They are everywhere, on our right hand and on our left, in our neighborhoods and in the workplace, in every community and county and nation of this world. Take your team and wagon; load it with your love, your testimony, and a spiritual sack of flour; then drive in any direction. The Lord will lead you to those in need if you will but embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ. [“Prophets in the Land Again,” Ensign, November 2006, 106]
I got choked up when I read this. In the past, I have felt discouraged at the lack of monetary resources I have at my disposal and have felt like there is not much I can do for others. But as Elder Holland points out, the need for love and kindness from others is as abundant, if not more, than the need for food, shelter, etc. I realized that I have an unlimited supply of this love if I so choose to tap into it; ie: pray to be filled with charity--the pure love of Christ. I have tried to do this more recently by not wasting any moment or opportunity to make the check-out clerk at Wal-Mart smile or be friendly to the elderly women sitting next to me in the waiting room. Normally, it is a lot easier for me to just read a magazine or continue scribbling my "to-do" lists, but I have found that the times I open my mouth in an attempt to show love and genuine interest in a stranger's well-being, I am filled with joy and satisfaction--the kind I have felt when I have been privileged enough to be involved the conversion process of new members of the church--that same excitement and spiritual high that comes from witnessing another come into the fold of God. After such experiences, I often wonder how happy life would be if I could always approach my fellow brothers and sisters with the same attitude--what kind of perpetual joy am I missing out on by always being so self-focussed?
Enough rambling from me. Love to all of you.
In the temple this morning, a friend of mine, Dan McKenzie, told of an experience he recently had. For several years he played with a fellow he worked with, Gary. Recently Gary's wife told him that Gary had a pretty severe stroke. She is caring for him at home. Gary can't talk, is so paralyzed that he can't write or communicate in any other way with his hands. She said that she talks to him and thinks that he hears and understands. She told Dan that she thought Gary would love to have friends visit him. A few days later Dan went to their home and Gary smiled when he saw him. It was a struggle, uncomfortable and quite depressing carrying on a one-way conversation, with no responses. On his way out, Gary's wife told him how sure she was that it had been a special time for Gary. She wished that more of his friends would come to visit him. On the way home Dan was really depressed and thought how he should visit him weekly but could he handle it on a regular basis. Then the bright idea came to him, "I'll get some of our golf buddies to come with me, weekly if we can. Then as we share memories, he will be able to hear them as well." He dreaded the thought of going to visit Gary regularly alone but as the group started to go, he began to look forward to their visits instead of dreading them. Dan now feels that it is a small effort but gives them enormous satisfaction. Like has been said, and I agree, more brotherly kindness can be shown without money than can possibly be bought.
In the temple this morning, a friend of mine, Dan McKenzie, told of an experience he recently had. For several years he played with a fellow he worked with, Gary. Recently Gary's wife told him that Gary had a pretty severe stroke. She is caring for him at home. Gary can't talk, is so paralyzed that he can't write or communicate in any other way with his hands. She said that she talks to him and thinks that he hears and understands. She told Dan that she thought Gary would love to have friends visit him. A few days later Dan went to their home and Gary smiled when he saw him. It was a struggle, uncomfortable and quite depressing carrying on a one-way conversation, with no responses. On his way out, Gary's wife told him how sure she was that it had been a special time for Gary. She wished that more of his friends would come to visit him. On the way home Dan was really depressed and thought how he should visit him weekly but could he handle it on a regular basis. Then the bright idea came to him, "I'll get some of our golf buddies to come with me, weekly if we can. Then as we share memories, he will be able to hear them as well." He dreaded the thought of going to visit Gary regularly alone but as the group started to go, he began to look forward to their visits instead of dreading them. Dan now feels that it is a small effort but gives them enormous satisfaction. Like has been said, and I agree, more brotherly kindness can be shown without money than can possibly be bought.
Post a Comment