Latter-day Saint Life

5 Ways Disney's Live-Action Cinderella Taught Important Gospel Lessons

I have to admit, I’m a girl who loves princess movies. As a kid I saw every Disney princess movie ever made. But I think the recent release of Disney’s live action Cinderella is one of my favorites, because it illustrates the power in kindness, courage, work and forgiveness in this fairy tale. The simplicity in these virtues often causes them to be overlooked and underappreciated in the world today. But they brought out the best in Cinderella and helped her to stay strong and true to who she was even when those around her were lost in their grief and sorrows.

These virtues aren’t just powerful in the movies—they are superpowers in the real world, too. The scriptures as well as modern prophets and Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provide excellent examples of these virtues in action. But at the end of the day, do we really understand how powerful these virtues are in our own lives?

Kindness—Not Just for Cinderella

Cinderella is famous for her friendships with the mice in her house and other animals around her. She is kind to everyone, even when that kindness is not reciprocated. Cinderella’s mother, on her deathbed, told Cinderella that kindness is a power that few people truly understand. The late Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin agreed. He said:

Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes.

Kind words not only lift our spirits in the moment they are given, but they can linger with us over the years. … Kindness should permeate all of our words and actions at work, at school, at church, and especially in our homes.

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