The Reason the Employees Are Unkind

When I first arrived in India, I was overwhelmed by the chaotic traffic and the constant blaring of horns. The weather and customs also felt strange and unfamiliar. But now, we’ve adapted. In many ways, India is quite similar to Korea. Families are close-knit, and when neighbors exchange food, they always return the dish with something inside—just like in Korea. Above all, what makes this place truly familiar is that there are heavenly brothers and sisters here, all working together toward the completion of the gospel of heaven.

Recently, I came to a small realization. We usually shop at three different supermarkets. While we buy fresh vegetables at local markets, we go to supermarkets for packaged goods, snacks, or refrigerated items. Yet, we tend to avoid two of them whenever possible—because the employees there are unkind.

At Supermarket A, the employees constantly pressure customers to sign up for membership. When someone refuses, they complain or deliberately slow down the checkout process, often leading to arguments. Sometimes, the manager scolds the employees in front of everyone, creating such a tense atmosphere that even customers like us feel uneasy.

At Supermarket B, the employees often look irritated. Even when a customer approaches the counter, they keep working as if no one is there. If someone asks to check out, they sigh or look visibly annoyed. Still, we sometimes have to go there—Supermarket A sells the best spices and dairy products, and Supermarket B stays open late into the night.

One day, while shopping at Supermarket B, I overheard some employees talking in the local language, not realizing I could understand them.

“My uniform got dirty after just one day, even though it was freshly laundered. The manager will scold me again.”

“In this kind of work, of course it gets dirty.”

“But last time, he blamed everything on me.”

“I don’t even know why he always singles me out, even when it’s not my fault.”

In that moment, I understood—their unkindness came from fear. With a manager who constantly stresses membership quotas, rebukes harshly, and threatens punishment, the employees are so focused on avoiding reprimands that customer service becomes the least of their concerns.

In contrast, the employees at Supermarket C, where we shop most often, are always polite and helpful. I’ve seen the manager a few times—he never raises his voice but treats his employees with courtesy. That left a lasting impression on me.

Reflecting on this, I asked myself: What kind of expression do I show to my brothers and sisters? Do I often encourage them with warm words? Do I recognize their efforts and forgive mistakes generously? Or have I ever offered “praise” that sounded more like criticism? Have I burdened others by showing frustration while trying to solve problems? Just as a harsh manager creates an oppressive atmosphere that even customers can feel, criticism and rebuke can also harm the spiritual atmosphere of Zion and discourage its members.

Sometimes, while shopping, locals approach us and ask if we’re Korean—even though we haven’t said a word about it. They recognize our language when we speak to each other. Many are especially surprised when they hear foreigners speak Telugu, their local language. Moments like that remind me of how important it is to guard every word—to speak with grace so that God’s glory is revealed through us.

This city is slowly developing, but compared with major cities in advanced countries, it still lacks much in education, living standards, and economic stability. Yet the faith of the members in Zion here always moves me deeply. Some of the older generation, though they never had the chance to attend school and can barely read, practice presentation diligently to preach the gospel. Some drive autorickshaws from early morning yet still make time to participate in gospel work. Others, despite physical disabilities, tirelessly visit members and seek to save even one soul.

Looking back, I see how the members have always taken ownership of the gospel, striving wholeheartedly toward our heavenly goal. Keeping this new realization in my heart, I resolve not to create tension or pressure, but to speak warm words often:

“Thank you for enduring hardships for the gospel. I love you very much. I’m truly happy because you are here.”

I thank God for allowing me to reflect on myself through the supermarket managers and employees. For all the brothers and sisters longing to see Heavenly Mother, and for all the neighbors who still need to feel Her love, I will do my best to convey Mother’s heart fully—as a child filled with love.