“Showing the Love in Your Heart,” Friend, Sept. 2009, 2–3
Come Listen to a Prophet’s Voice
Showing the Love in Your Heart
From “The Doorway of Love,” Ensign, Oct. 1996, 2–3, 5, 7.
President Monson loves poetry. He often quotes poems in his talks, including the poem below, “Which Loved Best?” It was printed in an old textbook that helped teach children how to read.
Love causes change. Love brings healing to the soul. But love doesn’t grow like weeds or fall like rain.
Jesus taught, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34).
Little children can learn the lesson of love. They respond readily to a favorite verse:
“I love you, mother,” said little John;
Then, forgetting his work, his cap went on,
And he was off to the garden swing,
Leaving his mother the wood to bring.
“I love you, mother,” said rosy Nell;
“I love you better than tongue can tell;”
Then she teased and pouted full half the day,
Till her mother rejoiced when she went to play.
“I love you, mother,” said little Fan;
“To-day I’ll help you all I can;
How glad I am that school doesn’t keep!”
So she rocked the babe till it fell asleep.
Then, stepping softly, she fetched the broom,
And swept the floor, and dusted the room;
Busy and happy all day was she,
Helpful and happy as child could be.
“I love you, mother,” again they said—
Three little children going to bed;
How do you think that mother guessed
Which of them really loved her best?1
The desire to lift, the willingness to help, and the graciousness to give come from a heart filled with love. True love is a reflection of Christ’s love.