As I look for principles of how to be a better husband and father, this exchange provides powerful insights. Pahoran's response is a good example of how spouses can respond to each other and keep unity in stressful situations. The key principle reinforced for me is the importance of giving each other the benefit of the doubt when there is disagreement or misunderstanding. Do not look for perceived slights or lack of respect, but rather look for the good that is offered. The way Pahoran did this was to remember the greatness of Moroni's heart. Pahoran realized that Moroni had no way to know exactly who was at fault in the government, so he was very strong with his words. But in his heart, Moroni never intended to accuse anyone that was innocent. If I remember the greatness of my wife's heart, I will remember she is not trying to injure me when we disagree or there is a misunderstanding. I will remember that we are on the same team, and are trying to accomplish the same objectives. I will not get defensive, but strive to work together. Another key to remember is that just like Moroni and Pahoran, we simply don't always have the same view of the field or the obstacles we face. That can be a strength, if we are able to give each other the benefit of the doubt. Even though Moroni's interpretation of Pahoran's situation may not have been fully accurate, Moroni taught powerful principles about the importance of unity and how to rectify their situation (I also learned great principles about being a better father and how to have more unity in marriage from Moroni's letter). Because Pahoran was able to look past the 'censure', he was able to implement the good in Moroni's counsel, and they were able to work together in unity against their real common foe, and not waste their energy protecting their pride. For me, this means that as spouses, we look for solutions together. We rely on each other's strengths and overlook and forgive weaknesses. We take the good in each other's ideas to work together for a common goal. Working together brings us to Christ, whereas protecting our pride divides us and allows the enemy to gain victories.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Alma 61:9 "you have censured me, but it mattereth not"
In the exchange of epistles between Moroni and Pahoran in Alma 60-61, Pahoran showed an outstanding example of selfless behavior and unity. In Moroni's epistle, he basically accused, or at least suspected, Pahoran of being guilty of the same selfish, power-seeking behavior as the kingmen. However, Pahoran had been working to defend the cause of freedom and he himself was also suffering in the cause. The natural man would be offended by this lack of trust and this censure from Moroni. Pahoran had a great deal of charity. In his response, he showed that he did not care for his own position or power, but for that of freedom. His response was not about himself at all. He completely overlooked Moroni's lack of trust and his accusations and looked for the truth in Moroni's message.
As I look for principles of how to be a better husband and father, this exchange provides powerful insights. Pahoran's response is a good example of how spouses can respond to each other and keep unity in stressful situations. The key principle reinforced for me is the importance of giving each other the benefit of the doubt when there is disagreement or misunderstanding. Do not look for perceived slights or lack of respect, but rather look for the good that is offered. The way Pahoran did this was to remember the greatness of Moroni's heart. Pahoran realized that Moroni had no way to know exactly who was at fault in the government, so he was very strong with his words. But in his heart, Moroni never intended to accuse anyone that was innocent. If I remember the greatness of my wife's heart, I will remember she is not trying to injure me when we disagree or there is a misunderstanding. I will remember that we are on the same team, and are trying to accomplish the same objectives. I will not get defensive, but strive to work together. Another key to remember is that just like Moroni and Pahoran, we simply don't always have the same view of the field or the obstacles we face. That can be a strength, if we are able to give each other the benefit of the doubt. Even though Moroni's interpretation of Pahoran's situation may not have been fully accurate, Moroni taught powerful principles about the importance of unity and how to rectify their situation (I also learned great principles about being a better father and how to have more unity in marriage from Moroni's letter). Because Pahoran was able to look past the 'censure', he was able to implement the good in Moroni's counsel, and they were able to work together in unity against their real common foe, and not waste their energy protecting their pride. For me, this means that as spouses, we look for solutions together. We rely on each other's strengths and overlook and forgive weaknesses. We take the good in each other's ideas to work together for a common goal. Working together brings us to Christ, whereas protecting our pride divides us and allows the enemy to gain victories.
As I look for principles of how to be a better husband and father, this exchange provides powerful insights. Pahoran's response is a good example of how spouses can respond to each other and keep unity in stressful situations. The key principle reinforced for me is the importance of giving each other the benefit of the doubt when there is disagreement or misunderstanding. Do not look for perceived slights or lack of respect, but rather look for the good that is offered. The way Pahoran did this was to remember the greatness of Moroni's heart. Pahoran realized that Moroni had no way to know exactly who was at fault in the government, so he was very strong with his words. But in his heart, Moroni never intended to accuse anyone that was innocent. If I remember the greatness of my wife's heart, I will remember she is not trying to injure me when we disagree or there is a misunderstanding. I will remember that we are on the same team, and are trying to accomplish the same objectives. I will not get defensive, but strive to work together. Another key to remember is that just like Moroni and Pahoran, we simply don't always have the same view of the field or the obstacles we face. That can be a strength, if we are able to give each other the benefit of the doubt. Even though Moroni's interpretation of Pahoran's situation may not have been fully accurate, Moroni taught powerful principles about the importance of unity and how to rectify their situation (I also learned great principles about being a better father and how to have more unity in marriage from Moroni's letter). Because Pahoran was able to look past the 'censure', he was able to implement the good in Moroni's counsel, and they were able to work together in unity against their real common foe, and not waste their energy protecting their pride. For me, this means that as spouses, we look for solutions together. We rely on each other's strengths and overlook and forgive weaknesses. We take the good in each other's ideas to work together for a common goal. Working together brings us to Christ, whereas protecting our pride divides us and allows the enemy to gain victories.
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