Peacemakers Needed
Peacemakers Needed
President Quinn’s Weekly Message
California Santa Rosa Mission
January 27th, 2025
I have enjoyed interviews in Eureka, San Rafael, and Santa Rosa over the last week. Sister Quinn and I look forward to being in interviews with the remaining zones over the next two weeks. We just love spending time with you.
In recent interviews, I have been reminded of the need for us to speak kindly about each other. I have learned of some gossiping, contention, and back biting occurring in some corners of CASRM. It breaks my heart to learn of this conduct among people I love so much. Any instances of this behavior is inappropriate and unacceptable. Gossiping and criticism of others is not consistent with our culture of high love.
In a recent conference talk entitled, Peace Makers Needed (GC April 2023), President Nelson taught:
“The Savior’s message is clear: His true disciples build, lift, encourage, persuade, and inspire—no matter how difficult the situation. True disciples of Jesus Christ are peacemakers.
Our prophet went on to extend an invitation to each of us:
“Today, I am asking us to interact with others in a higher, holier way. Please listen carefully. “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy” that we can say about another person—whether to his face or behind her back—that should be our standard of communication.”
Sister Quinn and I have always tried to focus you missionaries on building their lifelong discipleship to Jesus Christ. President Nelson makes it clear that disciples of Jesus Christ are peacemakers. My message to you this week is simple and straight forward — please consider how you can “build, lift, persuade, and inspire” one another. Please do not gossip or speak critical of others – fellow missionaries, members of the Church, or friends. Criticism of one another is offensive to the Spirit – and to me. If someone is speaking critically of another individual in your presence, please gently remind them that such conversation is inappropriate.
We need the Spirit in all we do as emissaries of Jesus Christ. As I have shared in the past, we all contribute to our culture of serving in the Savior’s way. Let’s be sure our conversations are uplifting and building of each other. As I have quoted many times, “praise is one thing we should not keep to ourselves.” (John Bytheway)
Sister Quinn and I see many many acts of love in your service to the Lord. I do not believe gossiping and contention are widespread issues across CASRM. However, any amount of these communications are hurtful and damaging to others and our Christ centered culture. I want to address this concern before it becomes a bigger issue. Let’s recommit to do all we can to serve in the Savior’s way by exhibiting “high love” to one another.
Love,
President Quinn
(630) 881-4030
