Not Taking Offense

In around the year 62 B.C. there was a great war raging between two nations of peoples, the Nephites and the Lamanites. The military commander of the Nephites was a man named Moroni, and the civil leader a man named Pahoran. This Moroni had suffered a great deal of hardship during the war, and needed more provisions and men; however, every time he asked his civil leader Pahoran for them, none came. Eventually, Moroni became fed up, and sent a very strongly worded letter to Pahoran which contained, among other things, these words:

“Can you think to sit upon your thrones in a state of thoughtless stupor, while your enemies are spreading the work of death around you?” (Alma 60:7)

“Behold, could you suppose that ye could sit upon your thrones, and because of the exceeding goodness of God ye could do nothing and he would deliver you? Behold, if ye have supposed this ye have supposed in vain…and behold, it is to your condemnation” (Alma 60:11-12).

These would be rough words for anyone to hear, but as it turns out, Pahoran had not been sitting on his throne in a “thoughtless stupor.” In fact, an insurrection had occurred in which Lamanite sympathizers had taken over the government, and Pahoran was currently trying to gather people to retake the government. Consequently, Pahoran had every right to become offended by Moroni’s harsh language, and send a response to the effect of, “I’m trying my best Moroni, and I’m actually in a tough situation, and I would appreciate it if you tried to understand the situation before you judged me so harshly.” At least, that would probably have been my reaction. Pahoran’s actual response, however, is the second best example of not being offended.

“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 61:9).

This response has always impressed me, because of the understanding Pahoran shows. Not only is he not mad that Moroni insulted him, but he is happy that Moroni cares so much for the people that he is willing to go against a corrupt government. I think this is a great example for all of us. When we try to understand the intentions of others, I think we may find it easier to not take offense at those things that were said or done against us.

Even if these offensive things were done with the meanest of intentions, I think we can look to the number one example of not being offended – Jesus Christ – when, during the crucifixion process he pleaded “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Because honestly, I think none of us understands exactly what it is that we are doing when we hurt one another. Not taking offense though, is the best path to building that understanding. 

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