Peace and Goodwill

"Our feelings toward the world of mankind, generally, ought to be the same as Jesus manifested to them.  He sought to promote their welfare, and our motto ought ever to be the same as His was - "peace on earth and good will to men".

I recently read this quote by President John Taylor, and I couldn't help but think about what my feelings are toward mankind, and what more I can do to promote the welfare of those around me.  There are so many people in the world who are burdened down with sorrow, pain, addiction, and every kind of affliction.  It's often easy for me to focus on the problems in my own life, instead of seeking to understand those around me and working to ease their burdens.  Even when I know of a struggle someone has I tell myself that they will feel uncomfortable if I try to help them, that I have nothing to offer them, or that someone who knows them better can help them better than I can. 

We are placed here on earth surrounded by God's children for a reason.  We are not meant to live next to each other, or merely coexist.  We must learn to help one another, get to know one another, LOVE ONE ANOTHER.  President George Albert Smith said that "our eternal happiness will be in proportion to the way that we devote ourselves to helping others."  Heavenly Father wants us to love and serve one another, and he has given each of us the skill and opportunities necessary to participate in His work of promoting "peace on earth and good will to men".  He knows each of us perfectly, and knows who needs our help. He will tell us what we can do, but we must be willing to act. As we do we will truly be able to follow the example of our Savior, to "succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees" (D&C 81:5). This is our responsibility as women of God.