by Tina Scott

As I mentally picture the Savior on the cross, I remind myself that this was the pinnacle gift in Jesus’ remarkable legacy of love. I want to have his patterns of kindness ingrained deeply in my heart. I want to use them in dealing with my family and friends; thus continuing the legacy of love He initiated.

Longsuffering

Jesus constantly dealt with malcontents while on earth. He willingly allowed himself to be spit upon and scourged. He suffered all manner of evil because of his love for us. Instead of being angry on the cross, he pleaded, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” I too can pray for and forgive those who injure me.

Compassion

When Jesus refused to condemn the harlot, saying, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone,” he showed compassion and humility. I can emulate these traits when I refuse to participate in gossip, and when I focus on my own growth instead of the faults of others.

Charity

The Savior was full of charity, which often showed through in His interactions with people. Mary, Martha, Lazarus, the Nephites and the apostles were only a few of the witnesses of his perfect love.

During one trying pregnancy, our ward’s young women’s group made me a baby blanket.
This simple act of service helped me cope with unrelated trials I suffered during my pregnancy. They didn’t know how much their kindness meant to me. We named our daughter Charity to honor their service, and to help us remember what the true love of God means in our life.

Gratitude

My father shared his legacy of love through gratitude, kindness and generosity. I never heard him speak ill of another, or use improper language. I never had a true need that he wasn’t anxious to fill. Then, in his final years, he expressed gratitude for everything, and everyone. It was a pleasure serving him as he aged because of his pleasant attitude. He thanked me for every ride and for every meal. I didn’t believe I deserved all of his praise, but it made me feel good.

Kindness

I learn from my husband regularly when he continues to love me during times when I’m not acting very loveable. I also recently learned another valuable lesson on kindness when my father-in-law discussed his estate with my husband. Proud of the money he had accrued in a savings account, he said, “This is the inheritance that I’ve saved for you kids.”

My husband didn’t hesitate to respond, “No, Dad, your inheritance to us is your life.” My father-in-law gave his family a legacy of faith, hard work and love. My husband showed his appreciation for that legacy by focusing on his spiritual gifts rather than on the monetary ones.

After my father-in-law passed away, our friends’ random acts of kindness – a kind word, a short visit, a pan of cornbread, have been accepted with eternal gratitude. I have felt His love through their thoughtfulness.

Pay It Forward

As I work to emulate the loving actions of the Savior, and point out Christ-like love in the actions of others, hopefully my children will learn how to love others as the Savior did. They too will learn the kindness, gratitude, faith, charity, compassion and longsuffering, that are the Savior’s hallmarks. They will learn to react with kindness and to anticipate other’s needs. In this way, I am helping them to learn of the Savior’s legacy.

When I react with empathy, or remain grateful amid hardships, I am building my own legacy, and showing Heavenly Father that deep in my heart, I have a portion of his love.

Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of perfect love. His traits and the stories of His life have taught me what I can become. As I act on these lessons, they free my soul and bring me closer to God.

Tina Scott is a member of the Thatcher 7th ward, Thatcher Arizona Stake.