Most of us have had the experience of having someone come into our lives who motivates us to be a better person, or at least motivates us to want to be a better person. There is something about this person's character, the way he or she talks to us and listens to us, that is very compelling. It may have been a teacher, a priesthood leader, a Primary worker or a neighbor. If we are motivated to change our lives to become more Christlike, we have an idea of why this person could have such an impact on our lives.

It has often been said that it is difficult to resist someone who genuinely loves us. Genuine love is very compelling because it is expressed regardless of who we are or what we have done. It is the most Christlike of all characteristics. The Savior admonished His disciples, "As I have loved you, . . . love one another." (John 13:34.) He knew the power it would have on their lives and on the lives of the people that they were to teach.

It is this Christlike love possessed by His disciples, in whatever period of time in which they have lived or do live, that has power to change lives. One of today's great examples of love toward his brothers and sisters is President Thomas S. Monson. His acts of kindness, unselfish giving, of sacrificing his time and resources are such an integral part of his nature that he is loved for his love. President Monson tells a story that gives us some insight regarding how he has learned how to love:

"I have many memories of my boyhood. Anticipating Sunday dinner was one of them. Just as we children . . . sat anxiously at the table, with the aroma of roast beef filling the room, Mother would say to me, 'Tommy, before we eat, take this plate I've prepared down the street to Old Bob and hurry back.'

"I could never understand why we couldn't first eat and later deliver his plate of food. I never questioned aloud but would run down to his house and then wait anxiously as Bob's aged feet brought him eventually to the door. Then I would hand him the plate of food. He would present to me the clean plate from the previous Sunday and offer me a dime as pay for my services. My answer was always the same: 'I can't accept the money. My mother would tan my hide.' He would then run his wrinkled hand through my blond hair and say, 'My boy, you have a wonderful mother. Tell her thank you.' . . . Sunday dinner always seemed to taste better after I had returned from my errand." ("The Long Line of the Lonely," Ensign, February 1992, p. 4.)

He didn't include this in his story, but it would seem that President Monson has tasted much of the joy that comes from service to his brothers and sisters. And just like Old Bob, many have been fed and filled.

What are we willing to do to become more Christlike in our lives? Are we willing to put our wants, even our appetites, second by serving others first, as President Monson's mother taught him to do?

Today's Latter-day Saints are preparing for Zion. To do this, we need to follow the counsel of the Lord as given to the Prophet Joseph Smith, to be pure in heart. When we have learned to esteem our neighbors as ourselves; when there are no poor among us; when we have learned to truly follow the admonition of the Savior in which He says, "As I have loved you, . . . love one another," then we will have heaven on earth.

We can best express our gratitude for those who have loved us enough to give of themselves that we might enjoy the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ by following their example. And as they have joy in contributing to our happiness, we, too, might have joy in contributing to the eternal happiness of our brothers and sisters.