When I read Moroni’s letter to Pahoran in Alma 60, I always cringe a bit.
Knowing that Moroni is getting angry and assuming a whole lot of things very incorrectly, just makes this epistle interesting to read through.
But this time, verse 33 made me do a double take.
Moroni tells Pahoran that the Lord told him to go to battle against the governor if the governor didn’t repent of his sins and iniquities.
What? Pahoran wasn’t committing sins and iniquities. Moroni was receiving revelation to battle Pahoran even when he wasn’t actually doing anything wrong?
Why would the Lord prompt Moroni with incorrect information?
And then I got to Pahoran’s response in Alma 61.
“I was somewhat worried concerning what we should do (about these rebels taking over the government and pushing Pahoran out), whether it should be just in us to go against our brethren.
“But ye have said, except they repent the Lord hath commanded you that ye should go against them.”
And then Pahoran calls for Moroni to join him and bring troops for a battle against the capital.
Pahoran had been praying to know whether or not he should go to battle against his own people.
He had been kicked off the judgment seat, but he wasn’t sure what to do next.
And Moroni’s inspiration that Moroni totally thought was about going to battle against Pahoran, was actually God’s way of answering Pahoran’s prayers – by telling him that they should go to battle against the people who had kicked him out.
So this whole misunderstood letter from Moroni? The false accusations and warnings and calls to repentance?
They were all really just a messy vessel for God to answer Pahoran’s prayer.
And AMAZING and HUMBLE Pahoran was able to overlook the misunderstandings and offensive phrases in Moroni’s letter in order to find the truth within it.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just a cliche. God really does only have imperfect people to work with.
And sometimes we have to just ignore and forgive the messy parts in order to find the gold we need in each other.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
2 Responses
This is one of my favorite stories of all time! And thank you for shedding some new light on it! I love the idea that God took Moroni’s preconceived ideas, and defensive words, and turned it into an answer to Pahoran’s prayer.
I get pretty defensive and feisty, so I relate to Moroni.
It was Moroni’s passion that led to him hoisting the Title of Liberty, and that same passion filled his epistles. Pahoran was kind enough and open enough to find the truth in Moroni’s rant.
I would like to take the passion of Moroni, and the kindness of Pahoran and be that person!
I totally agree! Moroni has such amazing strengths that I hope to emulate, and Pahoran’s got some great qualities, too. It’s fun to see all the cool strengths that are available, and try to learn from everyone! <3