Eradicate war? Maybe not.

Alma 61 – Pahoran responds to Moroni’s letter.  There is much that can be learned from Pahoran in his response to Moroni’s letter of reprimand.

• Do not bristle at what Pahoran calls “censorship”.
• Rejoice in the goodness of others
• Stand strong for liberty.
• Resist wickedness even to the extent of bloodshed.
• Trust that God will deliver you if you keep the commandments.  I believe that is called faith.
• Join forces with those whose values are the same as yours.
• Do what you can to strengthen others.

I think one of the most valuable lessons is Pahoran’s fine example.  He blew off the chaff.  We will all receive criticism in our lives at varying times.  The challenge is to not let it put a wedge between us and the person reprimanding – especially if his or her efforts are in righteousness, i.e. a bishop, or religious leader.

I read the newspaper article this morning by the Eyre’s.  I love their articles.  His focus was “tolerance of others” regardless of their beliefs and practices.  If we could teach this level of tolerance to our children throughout the world, we could really eradicate war in a generation. 

Pahoran could just as easily turned on Moroni for his scathing words.  He chose not to.

Now as I re-read this, how does one resist wickedness while tolerating the differences of others?  Maybe it will not happen in this world.