Benevolence

“Remember This: Kindness Begins with Me”

MARY N. COOK

First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency

"Benevolence can bring joy 

and unity to your home, 

your class, your ward, 

and your school."

"A counselor in a bishopric recently shared an 

experience that teaches how important each neighbor is. 

While looking out over the congregation, he saw a child with

 a large box of crayons filled with a variety of different hues. 

As he looked at the many members of his ward, he was

 reminded that, like the crayons, they were very similar 

but each person was also very unique.

He remarked: “The shade they brought to 

the ward and the world was all their own. … 

They had their individual strengths and weaknesses, 

personal longings, private dreams. But together, 

they blended into a color wheel of spiritual unity. …

“Unity is a spiritual quality. It’s the sweet feelings of 

peace and purpose that come from belonging to a family. … I

t’s wanting the best for others as much as you want it for yourself. … It’s knowing that no one is out to harm you.

 [It means you will never be lonely.]”⁶

We build that unity and share our unique colors 

through benevolence: individual acts of kindness.

Have you ever felt lonely? Do you notice those who 

are lonely, living in a black-and-white world? 

Young women, I’ve watched as you bring your

 unique color into the lives of others with your smiles, 

your kind words, or a note of encouragement.

President Thomas S. Monson taught us how

 to interact with our peers and everyone we meet 

when he told the young women of the Church,

 “My precious young sisters, I plead with you to 

have the courage to refrain from judging and

 criticizing those around you, as well as the 

courage to make certain everyone is included 

and feels loved and valued.”^7"

“The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.” -Mary Schwartz