“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. I, Pahoran, do not seek for power, save only to retain my judgment-seat that I may preserve the rights and the liberty of my people. My soul standeth fast in that liberty in the which God hath made us free.”

It must have been so difficult to respond in as measured a way as Pahoran did to Moroni’s epistle. Moroni accused Pahoron of treason and threatened a campaign of insurrection and assassination. And yet Pahoron responds with compassion and grace. I think he is truly a shinning example of how important it is to avoid offense and to respond with kindness even when it is unmerited.

As Elder Bednar explained:

“One of the greatest indicators of our own spiritual maturity is revealed in how we respond to the weaknesses, the inexperience, and the potentially offensive actions of others. A thing, an event, or an expression may be offensive, but you and I can choose not to be offended—and to say with Pahoran, ‘it mattereth not.'”