We are told to "liken" the scriptures to ourselves to really learn the lessons the scriptures teach. Well, this morning I was playing catch up and rereading some chapters at the end of Alma that I skimmed over about a week ago when I was pressed for time. The two chapters that caught my attention--and I related to after "likening" were the epistles Nephite leaders Captain Moroni and Chief Judge Pahoran wrote to one another during the war.
While I am neither a Nephite, nor a leader during war, I got a lesson about giving others the benefit of the doubt.
Remember, Moroni was ticked that Pahoran had apparently neglected the needs of the armies. But the truth was that Pahoran had been the victim of a political coup and wasn't even in the capital but had fled for his safety. And he asked Moroni to come with a small group of warrior to help him regain his place so the government could re-support the armies at war.
These guys cold have been really mad. In fact, Moroni's language is bold and forceful in his letter, but as soon as he he gets Pahoran's message back, learning the "why" behind the governments' apparent neglect, he softens and immediately gets things in line to go help Pahoran.
Wouldn't it be nice if we all could respond as Pahoran did?
He wrote that he was pained by the struggles Moroni was dealing with, and he was sorry for it. But then he explained the hold up at his end and then asks for help.
I could take a lesson here from Pahoran--but also Moroni. I need to be more understanding as I hear folks coming unglued about something that we all are dealing with, but I also need to be humble enough to ask for help where I need it after I explain myself calmly and gently.
The scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, we've been told are written for our time. I am seeing that very clearly today as I ponder this lesson. I hope I am as quick as Moroni and Pahoran to learn it and cooperate to make things better.
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