Expressing his love for mankind, the Prophet Joseph Smith addressed Latter-day Saints in a meeting in the Grove in Nauvoo, Ill., on July 9, 1843, almost a year before his martyrdom.

Joseph said: "Sectarian priests cry out concerning me, and ask, 'Why is it this babbler gains so many followers, and retains them?' I answer, It is because I possess the principle of love. All I can offer the world is a good heart and a good hand....

"If it has been demonstrated that I have been willing to die for a 'Mormon' I am bold to declare before Heaven that I am just as ready to die in defending the rights of a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or a good man of any other denomination; for the same principle which would trample upon the rights of Latter-day Saints would trample upon the rights of the Roman Catholics, or any other denomination who may be unpopular and too weak to defend themselves....

"The inquiry is frequently made of me, 'Wherein do you differ from others in your religious views?' In reality and essence we do not differ so far in our religious views, but that we could all drink into one principle of love....Christians should cease wrangling and contending with each other, and cultivate the principles of union and friendship in their midst; and they will do it before the millennium can be ushered in and Christ takes possession of His kingdom" (History of the Church: 5:498—99).

The Prophet Joseph's message is as timely today as it was when he delivered it nearly 163 years ago.

In a similar vein, President Gordon B. Hinckley said: "I challenge every one of you...to rise to the divinity within you. Do we really realize what it means to be a child of God, to have within us something of the divine nature?

"I believe with all my heart that the Latter-day Saints, generally speaking, are good people. If we live by the principles of the gospel, we must be good people, for we will be generous and kind, thoughtful and tolerant, helpful and outreaching to those in distress. We can either subdue the divine nature and hide it so that it finds no expression in our lives, or we can bring it to the front and let it shine through all that we do....

"We can lower our voices a few decibels. We can return good for evil. We can smile when anger might be so much easier. We can exercise self-control and self-discipline and dismiss any affront levied against us.

"Let us be a happy people. The Lord's plan is a plan of happiness. The way will be lighter, the worries will be fewer, the confrontations will be less difficult if we cultivate a spirit of happiness" (October 2002 general conference, Ensign, May 2002, p. 99).

Being slower to anger and quicker to forgive, extending the hand of friendship rather than striking out in retribution, approaching others with the pure love of Christ instead of looking on with a critical eye — all these behaviors will help us become more like the Savior and promote harmony.

"A new commandment I give unto you," Jesus said, "That ye love one another;...By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:34—35).

We recognize this love for others as charity, or "the pure love of Christ" (Moroni 7:47). On March 17, the Relief Society will observe its 165th anniversary. "Charity Never Faileth" is its motto. No truer statement could be made, for when everything else fails, charity — the pure love of Christ — endures.

In a revelation given through Joseph Smith on Dec. 27, 1832, and designated as the "olive leaf...plucked from the Tree of Paradise," the Lord commanded: "And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace" (Doctrine and Covenants 88:125).

May each of us, with Joseph, say, "All I can offer the world is a good heart and a good hand."