Followers of Jesus Christ are Not Easily Offended

Followers of Jesus Christ are Not Easily Offended

ChatGPT Response to my query:

In the "Come, Follow Me" manual section titled "Followers of Jesus Christ are Not Easily Offended," the focus is on cultivating a Christlike attitude of patience and forgiveness in the face of offenses. Here’s a reflection on your notes in light of this lesson:

Jesus’ Teachings on Offense

Jesus indeed pronounces "wo" to those who cause offense (Matthew 18:6-7), emphasizing the gravity of intentionally causing others to stumble. However, His teachings also remind us of the inevitability of offenses and the importance of responding with forgiveness (Luke 17:1-4). By striving to give others the benefit of the doubt and remembering Jesus' own endurance of offenses, we can petition Him to transform our hearts and attitudes.

Moroni and Pahoran: A Lesson in Communication and Understanding

Moroni’s situation as commander in chief was fraught with challenges, including the lack of support from the government. His urgent letter to Pahoran, though initially perceived as harsh, was driven by a deep concern for his people's welfare. Pahoran’s response demonstrates remarkable meekness, recognizing Moroni's integrity and clarifying the situation. This interaction teaches us about the importance of understanding the circumstances behind others' actions and maintaining open, honest communication.

Helaman’s Response

Helaman’s experience of not receiving sufficient support highlights the importance of faith and reliance on God in difficult times. His response was to turn to God in prayer, receiving strength and assurance. This exemplifies how leaders can draw on divine help and maintain determination despite external challenges.

Justified Anger and Firmness

Moroni’s letter to Pahoran is a powerful example of justified anger and the necessity of firmness in leadership. While some may view his actions as rash, the circumstances justified his bold approach. This mirrors instances in the life of Jesus, where He displayed righteous anger (e.g., cleansing the temple in Matthew 21:12-13) to uphold God's principles.

Meekness and Lowly of Heart

Elder Bednar’s teachings about Pahoran’s meekness underscore the Christlike attribute of responding to offenses with patience and humility. Jesus exemplified this throughout His trials and crucifixion (Matthew 27:11-26), consistently submitting to His Father’s will. Moroni and Helaman’s responses also demonstrate meekness combined with the necessary firmness to protect their people and uphold righteousness.

Applying These Lessons

We can follow these examples by striving to avoid causing unnecessary offense and by responding to offenses with prayer, forgiveness, and a Christlike attitude. Recognizing when firmness and righteous anger are needed, while maintaining meekness, is crucial. Jesus, who was both meek and firm, is our ultimate example.

Conclusion

Understanding the balance between meekness and firmness, especially when dealing with offenses, is essential for followers of Jesus Christ. The interactions between Moroni and Pahoran, as well as Jesus’ own life, provide valuable lessons in maintaining integrity, patience, and righteous indignation when necessary.

My Query

There is a section in this lesson, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-home-and-church-book-of-mormon-2024/34?lang=eng, titled Followers of Jesus Christ are Not Easily Offended.

Please take a look at that, and also take a look at my following notes:

Jesus pronounces wo to those who offend. I think this means to those who purposely offend. We are all offended at different times. We all might cause offense at different times. But when we strive to give people the benefit of the doubt, and when we remember the many offenses against Jesus, who forgave us all; we can petition Him to help change our attitudes and our heart.

Moroni had the difficult job of being commander in chief, and he must have felt a huge responsibility for the welfare of the Nephite people. He was offended when support wasn’t given to his armies in the way of manpower and sustenance. There was a huge urgency on his part to make sure that their leaders were fulfilling their obligations to the people. He had already had to deal with so many factions and upheavals, it must have been very disheartening. Again, I cannot stress the urgency in his position to convey not only his need, but his demand for support.

Paharon recognized that from Moroni, and said that he admired his integrity of heart. Moroni sent the letter to the appropriate person, even though he did not know the full circumstances at that time. We didn’t have Twitter.

Alma 58:4–9, 31–32 Helaman had no idea why he wasn’t receiving more suppot.

Don’t you think that Moroni’s letter was written in support of Helaman and the commanders of other armies?

Alma 60 While so many people see this letter from Moroni to Pahorn as being rash and uncalled for, I think that both the circumstances and the lessons learned from this chapter are often overlooked.

Moroni relates the dire circumstances that the Nephites are in, and how much they have lost, and what is at stake. Moroni teaches us when we are justified in going against our government. He teaches us that we have a duty to God to protect our people against unrighteous leadership. Etc.

Remember, Moroni was not rash. He did not bring armies against Pahoron. He waited for a response.

Alma 58:1–12, 31–37 One response of Helaman:

10 Therefore we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen us and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, yea, and also give us strength that we might retain our cities, and our lands, and our possessions, for the support of our people.

11 Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him.

12 And we did take courage with our small force which we had received, and were fixed with a determination to conquer our enemies, and to maintain our lands, and our possessions, and our wives, and our children, and the cause of our liberty.

Alma 61 Parhoron’s response:

He had been taken captive, he was glad for Moroni’s letter, because now he knew what to do, that it was just to go against his brethren. He assured Moroni that he wasn’t seeking for power. He complimented Moroni for his integrity of heart.

Why is it important for us to understand how these people reacted to offenses they received? Why is it also important to understand the cause of offenses and how they can hurt and damage us and our relationships?

Elder Bednar pointed to Pahoran as an example of meekness, also stating that the Savior is the most majestic example of meekness. I believe that these men at the battle front were also meek. A commander in chief has to be both meek and fierce (which the Lord can also be).

Meek and Lowly of Heart

Matthew 27:11–26 Jesus was meek before Pontius Pilate and throughout his fake trials and real crucifixion. He was willing to do His Father’s will always.

Moroni also was willing to do his Father’s will. Truly he was. He wasn’t the commander-in-chief because he wanted control over everything. He wanted to save his people, and their homes, and their families, and their rights to worship; etc.

Luke 22:41–42 Jesus recommitted Himself to the Father to do His will.

John 13:4–17 Jesus washed each of His apostles’ feet as a sacred ordinance, even though they didn’t yet understand it, and even though He knew one would betray Him.

I can follow the Lord’s example by working on not causing offense unnecessarily or condemningly. I can also follow the Lord’s example by striving to work with and through His Spirit when I do feel offended; by turning to him in prayer, forgiving the person who offended me, and choosing sadness over anger when it is appropriate to do so.

Please address who there are times when anger and firmness are necessary even if someone could become offended by our boldness. Show how this is true in the mortal life of Jesus Christ and of others throughout the Holy Bible and other Latter-day scriptures.