Kindness Counts

Kind Enough to Speak Up

By Charlie L., age 8, Michigan, USA

Illustration by Sara Penco

Once I had a friend who was being mean to others. People started telling me that I was kinder before I was friends with him. I worried that they were right.

One day when we were playing soccer at recess, I noticed that people started to leave the game. Then more and more people left. I went to see what was happening, and I saw my friend calling people names and saying the Lord’s name in vain. When he said those things, it upset some of the other players. I told my friend to stop. He didn’t listen.

When we got back to class, I talked to him about it. I told him I didn’t like it when he was mean to other people or when he took the Lord’s name in vain. He agreed to stop.

I also repented and decided I wouldn’t let anyone change who I was or make me less kind. I wanted to be a good example. After I decided to do better, I had this warm, comforting feeling in my heart. I knew that it was the Holy Ghost saying I had done the right thing.

After that day, my friend stopped being mean. I know that Heavenly Father wants us to listen to the Holy Ghost and stand up for what’s right.

Kindness Challenge

Think of a time you did something kind or stood up for what’s right. Write or draw a picture about what happened. Then send it to us at the Friend! (See page 39.)