Be Not Afraid..... And Be Not Offended

Ever have your faults thrown in your face?  Me too.  The funny thing (or seriously cool thing, depending on how you look at it), I wasn't offended by it. 

How in the world was this possible you ask?

Well, my character developmental journey this week started (and it's still going, so this may turn into a 'by stages' theme),  with a man named Moroni. 

Moroni was in charge of a great Nephi army.  He was young, smart, and very, very good at what he did.  He wasn't the conquering general that we often think of.  Instead, he was the epitome of a fantastic defensive general.  He believed in and had faith in God, was honorable, and acted with high moral courage. 

He was also rather protective of his army. 

When the government had failed to bring in support such as food and supplies, he wrote to his government's highest official, Pahoran.  This letter wasn't a kind, sweet letter.  Instead it accused Pahoran of neglect, mismanagement, and treason.

But behold, this is not all-- ye have withheld your provisions from the, insomuch that many have fought and bled out their lives... because of your exceedingly great neglect towards them.  (Alma 60:9)

It doesn't stop there. In Alma 60: 18 it states: ...For we know not but what ye are also traitors to your country.

How would you respond to these accusations?

Pahoran is one of the wisest, kindest, and least judgmental men I've ever read about.  This is only one small portion of his reply, but in it is a powerful message of temperance, kindness, and charity.

And now, in your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart. .. Alma 60:9

Turns out, Pahoran was under attack, had fled the capital, and was running for his life.  Yet, despite all his trials, he finds something positive to focus on, and gives Moroni-- the man who just accused him of neglect and treason-- a compliment. 

Pahoran was a man of integrity and kindness.  He didn't focus on the accusations-- he focused on the intent of Moroni-- and thus Pahoran was able to look past the hurtful words.  It isn't an easy thing to do, but I think it was possible because both Moroni and Pahoran were seeking the same end goal: the freedom of their people from the bondage and the bloodshed that was threatening them.

Therefore, my beloved brother, Moroni, let us resist evil...that we may retain our freedom...  Alma 61: 14


Freedom.

Free from bondage.  Free from bloodshed.  Free from anger.

Pahoran was a wise man.

I am trying to be more like Pahoran.  It isn't easy, but I think it's worth it.