Nobody ever likes to get called out anonymously or sarcastically and its seems like all these letters to the editor are criticizing or judging others.
In my experience that has never been a successful route to change.
As a missionary, I served in Los Angeles on both the UCLA campus and the USC campus. I found, especially among young people, being judged or criticized only turns people away and hardens them.
As missionaries we didn’t invite others to come unto Christ by making judgments.
At BYU we seek to make a better world in our own sphere and we hope to go forth and make a better world in the many big cities and social spheres in the real world.
The only way to do that is through love, not by joining the water cooler gossip clubs.
The scriptures tell us charity, or love, is long-suffering, not quick to judge, and doesn’t anger easily.
I realize it’s only a few students each week who write these letters, but when it gets broadcast all over campus it leaves a negative taste in everyone’s mouth.
Gossip, backbiting and pride are all things that cause the destruction of many lives and we are no exception to that rule.
We are not here to serve and better ourselves or make ourselves feel better by judging each other.
We can only correct and guide others through love and not by calling them out or criticizing.
Jordan Gustin
Orem
