Often those who murmur do it sarcastically. Sarcasm can not only prove contagious but also can provide a clever verbal rallying point for the otherwise unfocused and unexpressed feelings. Yet our responsibilities to each other involve more than merely reporting or otherwise displaying how we feel. Being of good cheer itself can be contagious, and it is certainly more in accord with our obligation to strengthen each other and to do things "with cheerful hearts and countenances"


Neal A. Maxwell (1926 – 2004) was an apostle and a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1981 until his death. A Wonderful Flood of Light, p.66 (See D&C 59:15)