“It Mattereth Not”

I have always admired the Christlike attitude of Pahoran, a judge in the Book of Mormon that lived during the time of great war among his people. In Alma 60, Captain Moroni sends Pahoran a strongly-worded letter, rebuking him for not sending support to his small troops. Moroni was extremely angry at Pahoran, and called him many names that would have made any individual upset. But in Alma 61, Pahoran’s response is simple, yet profound. He says, “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)

In the moment that Pahoran received and read the letter, he could have reacted in anger and frustration. He could have sent Moroni an equally rebuking letter, explaining how he was in a similar situation. Instead, he chose to react calmly, and focus on the good in the situation. He chose to see the good in Moroni, and he chose to forgive him.

Let this be an example to us of forgiveness and charity. When we have compassion on others and seek to focus on the good instead of the bad, we will be filled with love for those who could have angered or hurt us. Pahoran’s example of letting go of his anger and choosing to forgive lets us see that forgiveness and charity is possible.

We just need to choose it.

Choose charity.
-J.S.

Repent and Forgive

God wants us to forgive. He wants to forgive us. The best way to do that is through repentance.

Suppose a young woman repeats a sin she has previously committed. She worries that the Lord will no longer forgive her. But He will!


Corrie Ten Boom shared a story in The Hiding Place of how she experienced the incredible results of forgiveness. A former soldier came to her after a sermon that she gave, and asked for her forgiveness. The image of him, before he had repented, struck her mind so harshly that she could not forgive. Finally, she prayed for God to help her with this. And He did. He gave her the feeling she needed to forsake her grudge and truly, sincerely forgive. And what a great blessing it was! Not only did she forgive him, but she forgave herself, enabling God to forgive them both. Incredible!

James E. Faust said, "The power to change is very real, and it is a great spiritual gift from God."

There is always a new chance to repent and try again! Why would the Lord provide a way for us to correct our mistakes and begin anew, just to tell us we can't? He knows we will make mistakes. He knows our individual weaknesses. But He also knows that we can repent, and He wants us to! No matter how many times we sin, or how serious the sin is, He will always forgive us if we sincerely repent and do our best.

-JS