Sinning can be likened to dirtying linen, and repentance to the process of laundering.
"There is a parallel between our garments being washed clean through the blood of the Lamb and how we wash our own dirty linen. It is through his atoning sacrifice that our garments will be cleansed."
When Alma went to the Lord to ask how to handle transgressors, the Lord blessed him with a promise of eternal life and reminded Alma that the church is his — that is, the Lord's — and it is through his name and sacrifice that sinners are saved. It is he who judges, not man.
When you are tempted to air your dirty linen in public, go instead to the Lord, go to the one offended and, if necessary, go to your judge in Israel and then put it away.
Be careful of airing the dirty linen of others. "Whenever we tell of others' sins or mistakes, we are in effect passing judgment on them." Jesus counseled, "Judge not, that ye be not judged," and practiced what he preached in the case of the woman caught in adultery. If you have knowledge of others' problems, leave judgment to the Lord. Forgive and forget. "Leave it alone, lay it down, put it away." If you must reveal others' sins, do so only to your bishop and the proper authorities, if required.
Empathize with others who have failings. "In empathy there is no sympathy, only understanding and caring. It is the basis of true friendship." Focus on the Lord, with an eye single to his glory, and he will touch and cleanse you.