taught by Rachelle Christensen
"A soft answer turneth away wrath" - Proverbs 15:1
From the life of George Albert Smith:
“Once on a hot summer day there was some problem happening under the street near Grandfather’s home in Salt Lake City, and some workers from the city had come to fix it. It was hot outdoors, the sun shone fiercely, and the job at hand was a pick-and-shovel kind that made the sweat pour off the men’s faces and backs as they dug into the roadway. The workers were not careful with their language, or maybe their mothers hadn’t taught them any better, but they were swearing and using terrible language. Their words soon became offensive to many of the neighbors whose windows were open to catch any breeze that might help to cool them.
“Someone went out and asked the men to stop their foul talk, and in the process pointed out that Brother Smith lived right there—couldn’t they show some respect and keep quiet, please? With that the men let loose a new string of bad words. Quietly, Grandfather prepared some lemonade and placing some glasses and the pitcher on a tray he carried it out to the struggling men with, ‘My friends, you look so hot and tired. Why don’t you come and sit under my trees here and have a cool drink?’ Their anger gone, the men responded to the kindness with meekness and appreciation. After their pleasant little break they went back to their labor and finished their work carefully and quietly.”2
"A soft answer turneth away wrath" - Proverbs 15:1
From the life of George Albert Smith:
“Once on a hot summer day there was some problem happening under the street near Grandfather’s home in Salt Lake City, and some workers from the city had come to fix it. It was hot outdoors, the sun shone fiercely, and the job at hand was a pick-and-shovel kind that made the sweat pour off the men’s faces and backs as they dug into the roadway. The workers were not careful with their language, or maybe their mothers hadn’t taught them any better, but they were swearing and using terrible language. Their words soon became offensive to many of the neighbors whose windows were open to catch any breeze that might help to cool them.
“Someone went out and asked the men to stop their foul talk, and in the process pointed out that Brother Smith lived right there—couldn’t they show some respect and keep quiet, please? With that the men let loose a new string of bad words. Quietly, Grandfather prepared some lemonade and placing some glasses and the pitcher on a tray he carried it out to the struggling men with, ‘My friends, you look so hot and tired. Why don’t you come and sit under my trees here and have a cool drink?’ Their anger gone, the men responded to the kindness with meekness and appreciation. After their pleasant little break they went back to their labor and finished their work carefully and quietly.”2
Some times it seems easier to be critical than kind. Misfortunes tend to make a better story or get more reaction, higher drama. Hunger can also make it very difficult to be kind, fasting teenagers are especially challenging. When we see imperfections in others let us remember the beam in our own eye, Matthew 7:3-5.
In the Story of Pollyanna, the hearts of the people were softened, because she offered them kindness in spite of their indifference or unkindness.
"What a bright prospect that is—downing another quart of pickle juice every time anyone around you has a happy moment!" Elder Holland
We can celebrate with those who receive blessings and give thanks to a kind and merciful God.
Little things count. A smile can brighten someones day. Holding a door open, a thank you note. Small acts of courtesy may seem to go unnoticed, "and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly." -3 Nephi 13:6
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