A few weeks ago I was studying Alma 61. In this chapter, the chief judge Pahoran is responding to a letter that Helaman had sent him (censuring Pahoran for not sending troops to his aid). What Helaman hadn't realized was that the reason Pahoran didn't send him any aid was because they were facing their own challenges (with rebellion) at home. Pahoran could've taken huge offense to the letter that was sent to him. However, Pahoran responds with love and kindness. He doesn't get angry, but recognizes the "greatness of [Helaman's] heart."
That scripture touched me to the core. I am the type of person who tends to get angry when I am accused of something I didn't do. After reading this scripture, I've recognized that I shouldn't get angry nor do I need to get angry. The way I react to an offense is a choice. I can choose to be angry or I can choose to forgive and move on. I've realized that becoming angry won't help me at all. In fact, it might hurt me.
My dad has always told me that I can control the way I react to certain situations. For the longest time, I didn't believe him, or maybe I just didn't want to believe him, because I thought that if someone made me mad it was their fault and their fault only. I couldn't help it if I reacted angrily. Reading about Pahoran and Helaman helped drive the concept home for me. I finally understand what my dad was talking about. I hope that as I continue on in my life I will choose righteous and loving ways to react to adversity.
For both Book of Mormon and Missionary Preparation class I've read this quote:
"True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior."
-President Boyd K. Packer
This concept has become real to me as I've learned, grown, and changed from the doctrine I learned in Alma 61.
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| Me and Dad |
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