You can make any day better with simple questions

In our journey through life, we frequently see those around us tearing down others and doing whatever they can to make life more miserable.

Cross or unkind words, taunts, and rebukes often come quickly and viciously. Sometimes this is the result of a relatively minor infraction or even an unintentional act. This happens daily in our election campaigns, news media, social media sites, and, unfortunately, even in our homes.

There seems to be a misguided propensity to believe that if we intentionally belittle or diminish the social standing or reputation of another person that we have elevated our own status. There appears to be a damaging perception that there are only so many people that can succeed in life and that if we are to be successful, someone else must fail.

Often we no longer try to lift others with our praise, sincere compliments or uplifting comments. Kind thoughts, words, and deeds are frequently replaced with bitterness, rancor, criticism, and even outright meanness and harm.

Each day we must make a choice to either follow this current popular path of bitterness or to break away and act with civility, kindness, and even love toward all those around us.

As we contemplate our decisions and plan our course of action, we might wisely remember the teachings of our youth — the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do to you”.

How might our world be different if we determined to quiet our voice if we had nothing kind, or uplifting to say?

Would the world be brighter? Would we find we had more friends? Would we see more smiles? Would there be fewer tears? Would we lift the spirits of others?

Kindness is defined as, “the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.” In the scriptures, kindness is often replaced by the synonym love. Christ healed the sick, caused the blind to see, and gave hope to those in need of forgiveness. He encouraged His disciples to follow His example of kindness. He told them, “by this shall all men know that, ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35)

As we try to walk in the path of life that Jesus taught, we should ask ourselves these questions: How can we show love or be kind to those around us? How can we follow his example and be his disciples?

We all have many opportunities to show Christ-like love or kindness in our everyday lives. We can be kinder in our families, more polite at work, more courteous in social media, and more pleasant to others, whether they be strangers, friends or family. We can provide service, donate food, or give financial support to those less fortunate and in need.

Our kind and helpful actions and words can truly make someone’s day brighter and can show we are a disciple of Christ.

We should also ponder these questions: How can I help someone have a better day? Would my smile (even behind a mask) help someone that is sad? How could I offer encouragement to another?

Should I apologize for a hurt I may have caused? Is my forgiveness needed by someone? What thanks can I express for kindness shown to me? Can I make time for a social-distance visit or invite someone to lunch outdoors? What about a cheerful phone call I should make or text I should send?

How might I show love? What will I do to act? What will I do to be kind?

As we ask these simple questions, and act accordingly, over time those around us will notice a difference in the way we speak and act. They will know that we are true disciples of Christ as we show “love one to another”.