December 20, 2010

Tonight I read Alma 61 which was Pahoran's response to Moroni's letter. My favorite verse has got to be verse 9 where he says, "In your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart." The fact that Pahoran allows Moroni's angry words to roll off his back and to choose to see the reality of who Moroni is, makes me feel so happy. This is such a beautiful example of what a loving response to misunderstandings could and should be.

December 16, 2010

Tonight I read Alma 60 which is a scathing letter that Moroni writes to Pahoran, unloading on him all of his frustrations about the apparent neglectfulness of the government. There are a handful of times where Moroni condemns Pahoran and calls him to repentance. I am anxious to read the next chapter which is Pahoran's response. If I remember correctly, he actually is not to blame as Moroni has so assumed, and in spite of the false accusations against him, he is very gracious and forward in his response to Moroni. It seems to me that Moroni is a very passionate person. He seeks to do righteousness and to fight for freedom, and it seems that he assumes anyone who does not share his same fervor is in need of repentance. Again, this letter adds to the collection of "interesting" responses of Moroni that I have been noticing this time through my reading. I have been quick to judge and made assumptions about another before that were completely non-justified, although at the time I express my feelings about the matter, I am certain I am right. I have learned, through my experience, to not assume anything, but to first take time to listen and to understand another. I know I have avoided saying things I'd regret, or hurting another's feelings that way. I do think it's important to speak our mind and to stand up for righteousness, but it's just as important to get the whole picture first before assuming another is to blame or is being wicked. 

December 15, 2010

I read Alma 59 tonight. I am really intrigued by the character of Moroni. In this short chapter he receives Helaman's letter and is very happy and excited about Helaman's miraculous success. He sends a letter to Zarahemla requesting strength for Helaman's armies and then begins making plans to retake the other cities that are still in the Lamanites' possession. Meanwhile, the city of Nephihah is attacked and taken over by the Lamanites. Moroni is distraught, as are his chief captains. They all "begin to doubt" and wonder if the Lamanites had such success in overtaking that city because the people are so wicked. Then, in the very last verse it says that Moroni is "angry with the government because of their indifference." This anger reminds me of the anger filled letters he had written earlier. Here he is in a situation where things are not going according to the plan, and his response is of doubt and anger; and what even feels like blame. Helaman's example from the previous chapter was more inspiring to me. Although this account of Moroni's reaction does prompt me to ask myself, "What would I do in a situation like that? What kind of response would I have?" And perhaps it would be a combination of both, with initially feeling doubt and anger, yet then choosing to replace those thoughts with ones of faith and trust in the Lord and prayer. Moroni is a good man, in fact, in chapter 48 it says that if all men were like Moroni "the very powers of hell would be shaken forever, and the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men." Maybe I am reading too much into these responses of Moroni. Nonetheless, it does help me to think about my own character and the person I am trying to be.