Focus on the Heart

Moroni had EVERY reason to be upset at the lack of governmental support for the Nephite armies. And he took it all out on Pahoran in a scathing letter!

Pahoran had EVERY reason to be upset with Moroni after being falsely accused of “neglect," "slothfulness," "idleness," being a "traitor," and “transgress[ing] the laws of God." He was innocent! He'd done NONE of the things Moroni thought he'd done! Moroni had jumped to conclusions, unfairly judged him, and attacked his very character.

And yet, Pahoran is NOT upset. WHAT.

He doesn't focus on Moroni's huge mistake!

He focuses on Moroni's HEART.

"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

The greatness of his heart! ❤️

It brings me to tears.

Instead of bitterness, resentment, and division, Pahoran chooses understanding, forgiveness, and unity.

"My beloved brother, Moroni, let US resist evil"

"WE will go speedily against those dissenters"

"WE will go forth against them in the strength of the Lord"

They go forth TOGETHER and “restored peace.”

None of us are perfect. We all make mistakes. We will be offended. Sometimes it is SO HARD to let things go. Sometimes things hurt. Sometimes people don’t intend to hurt, but sometimes they do. This is why it truly takes an amazing person to look past the offense and look right where it DOES matter.

The heart.

Can we see as God sees? Can we find the good? Can we soften our own heart?

“Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. It is resisting the impulse to become offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings... It is looking beyond physical appearances to attributes that will not dim through time." Pres. Monson

I make so many mistakes! But He sees my heart. And I can give that grace to others.

“We can 'minister grace' through compassionate language when the cultivated gift of the Holy Ghost pierces our hearts with empathy for the feelings and context of others. It enables us to transform hazardous situations into holy places. I testify of a loving Savior who 'looketh on [our] heart' and cares what we are thinking." Elder Zwick