Ministering Grace Through Our Words
Ministering Grace Through Our Words
President Quinn’s Weekly Message
California Santa Rosa Mission
March 9th, 2026
We extend a warm welcome to the five missionaries who joined us last week. We look forward to serving with you in CASRM.
In recent interviews and letters, I have been reminded of the need for us to speak kindly about each other. I have learned of some gossiping, contention, and backbiting 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 are inappropriate and unacceptable. Gossiping and criticism of others is not consistent with our culture of high love.
In his April 2023 General Conference address entitled, Peacemakers Needed, President Nelson delivers a timeless message on how we, as disciples of Jesus Christ, can bring deeper love and kindness into our many relationships. President Nelson teaches:
“His true disciples build, lift, encourage, persuade, and inspire—no matter how difficult the situation. True disciples of Jesus Christ are peacemakers.”
As we work to “go deep” personally – and as a mission in our discipleship, I hope we all seek to be peacemakers. President Nelson went on to teach:
“…how we treat each other really matters! How we speak to and about others at home, at church, at work, and online really matters. 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 worked to focus you on building your lifelong discipleship to Jesus Christ. President Nelson makes it clear that disciples of Jesus Christ are peacemakers. My message and invitation 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.
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 is hurtful and damaging to others and to our Christ centered culture of high love. 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.
I end with inspired counsel from the Apostle Paul to the Ephesians:
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29
I love the instruction that our communications with each other can be “edifying” and “minister grace.” What a beautiful concept – and what power we each possess to lift one another with our words!?! Please look for opportunities to edify and extend grace to one another through word and deed. As I have quoted to you many times, “praise is one thing we should not keep to ourselves.” (John Bytheway)
Sister Quinn and I look forward to this busy week of zone conferences across CASRM. We enjoy the opportunity each transfer of seeing and visiting with each of you. See you soon!
Love,
President Quinn
(630) 881-4030
